A wet Christmas is anticipated for Western Washington as an atmospheric river approaches, bringing heavy rainfall and mountain snow. Meteorologist Jacob DeFlitch from the National Weather Service reports that the first of several weather fronts will begin affecting the region on Christmas afternoon, continuing through Saturday. Tacoma and Olympia are projected to receive 2 to 3 inches of rain, with gusty winds potentially reaching 30 to 40 miles per hour. Although the upcoming systems may not be as severe as previous storms, the first front could be stronger than expected. Temperatures for the holiday are forecasted to remain slightly above average, peaking in the upper 40s on Christmas and moving into the 50s later in the week.

Travelers, particularly those heading into the mountains, are advised to stay updated on forecasts due to the potential for increased snowfall. The article emphasizes the importance of preparedness as holiday travel may be impacted by the wet conditions, indicating that residents should brace for a challenging weather pattern during the holiday celebrations.