Showers will continue through much of the morning across Western Washington as a warm front moves into the region.  The heaviest rainfall will be north of Seattle and on the coast, as well as in the mountains.  The snow levels will be rising to near 5,000 feet by later today and wintry travel problems are not expected at the passes.  Highs will be in the lower 50s, significantly mild for this time of year.

Rain will taper this afternoon, but for the Seahawks game, we could still have a few showers.  Winds will be light out of the south.

Rain picks up again for Sunday as a stronger cold front moves into the Northwest.  Rain and wind will be heaviest along the coast and across the north.  Highs will be cooler, with temperatures topping out in the middle 40s.

This is part of a weather pattern that will last through the end of 2011 with a  focused jet stream carrying plenty of moisture and directed right at Western Washington.

While we’ll see pass rain and snow only at elevations above 4,500 feet today and most of Christmas Day, the snow level plummets early next week.  Ski areas look to pick up significant snowfall for much of next week with travel problems possible at the passes beginning Sunday night and lasting through at least Wednesday.