PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Summer is still well underway, but temperatures are expected to fall along with snow elevations later this week.
The high mountain peaks of the Cascades are known for their snowy tops, but a snowflake or two is possible for Oregon's tallest peak later this week. Snow chances aren't expected for places like Mt. Hood Meadows or even Timberline Lodge. However, above Oregon's favorite ski locations is fair game.
A few snow flurries have already been spotted at the peak of Mount Rainier, but Rainier is over 14,000 feet. A nearly 3,000-foot shorter Mt. Hood still holds its own when it comes to late summer snow. That chance may come as early as Friday and Saturday as cooler and wetter weather returns to the Pacific Northwest.
Some of the coldest temperatures since the middle of June are expected around Mt. Hood later this week. Afternoon highs will struggle to warm greater than the mid-40s. Higher elevations will be near freezing temperatures. Again, snow isn't expected to accumulate, but the thought of seeing falling snow in August is exciting for winter enthusiasts.