As of this week, no tulips are blooming in the Skagit Valley. The tulips are taking their time, growing slowly during this cooler-than-average March. The early budding bulbs must have sensed the winter-like chill this morning as temperatures started in the 30s on this lovely spring morning. #blamethegroundhog

What sun we see this afternoon will be interrupted by icy showers containing of sleet, snow, and small hail. A rogue clap of thunder is also possible from Puget Sound south through the Portland metro. Daytime temperatures hold steady in the 40s before dipping into the 30s again tonight. More exciting snowflake sightings across the lowlands into Saturday morning, but for the most part, no accumulation is expected. The exception will be Morton and Mossyrock in Lewis County, where a slushy inch or two could accumulate tonight. And a steady band of heavy snow could set up over Snoqualmie Pass tonight, piling up to ten inches by the end of the day Saturday.

While not a washout of a weekend, light showers will persist through Sunday. Next week will be sunnier and warmer. Perfect timing for the U District Cherry Blossom Festival!

Meteorologist Kristin Clark
The KOMO 4-Cast Team

Updated Friday Afternoon{/strong}