The National Weather Service is forecasting very cold temperatures arriving this weekend and continuing into late next week. Daytime temperatures may barely rise above the freezing mark, while night time temperatures will drop into the low to mid-20s throughout the region.

There is a possibility of lowland snow from late Saturday evening through early Sunday morning. The coast may not see any snow with the exception of an occasional flurry; however, accumulations of an inch or more are possible in the north and east portions of the county.

A rain/snow mix will envelop the area Saturday night into Sunday, making New Year’s Eve driving extremely hazardous, warned Charles Wallace, Grays Harbor County Emergency Management Deputy Director. The possibility of icing on roadways along with snow showers in the north and east county could make all area roadways slippery and precarious to drive.

“Please check on your friends and neighbors who may need assistance during the cold weather,” said Wallace. “There are increasing numbers of homeless single women with children, homeless elderly and homeless veterans throughout the region. Please consider helping area shelters through donations to assist the vulnerable and homeless populations in our region to have a safe and warm place to stay during the extremely cold nights. Do not leave pets or livestock outdoors during the extremely cold temperatures this week.”

The best chance for precipitation will be between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. Saturday, with temperatures dropping to 31 overnight. Clear and cold conditions are expected to remain through most of the week with daytime highs around 35 degrees and overnight temperatures in the low 20s, with a very slim chance of snow in the forecast for Thursday.