We DO have mild winters--what's happening now is very unusual.

I grew up in the Northeast--and by comparison, Seattle winters are quite mild. Usually, daytime temperatures are in the 40s and heavy snow like we've had this week is rare. I don't even own a winter coat any more and had to wear hiking boots today because I no longer own any sort of snow boots.

Most likely, when your friend is here, it will be back to normal--40s and rain, like you said in the first place.

NWWandered,

I do not consider 40's and rain to be "mild".

<<do not consider 40's and rain to be "mild">>

...well in Seattle we do :-)

I'm not "defensive" about my home city, just trying to share what is our reality here.

I agree it is what you are used to. Since I lived in Vermont previously, yes I find Seattle weather "mild" 95% of the time.

No we do not get this kind of weather every winter. As I already said before, sometimes we get thru with nothing dramatic.

<<Have you been turning the heat off at night when it's 15 like it has been the past week?>>

Of course not. I never said I did. I set the thermostat to ~40 degrees at night.

suze,

40 degrees! Man, you are one hardy gal :)

Maybe that's 40 degrees Celsius?

It's NIGHT-TIME dude! I'm in bed, asleep, under a cozy quilt ;-) I turn up the heat when I get up in the morning, then back down again when I leave for work.

For anyone who's still wondering(!) we had 3-5 inches of snow last night and it's 29 degrees here in Seattle today.

Weather is still cold (30's in day and colder at night) and friend is leaving today.

I said prepare for Northeast style cold, but the possibility that buildings may not be heated to the level they are in the Northeast and salting/sanding may not occur to as thorough as the level in the Northeast (bottom line - I told him to let his gf drive around). I also prepared him for the possibility that his girlfriend's family may not heat their house to what he may be used to. I'm sure his girlfriend can find a way to keep him warm at night though ;)

Unless they are renting a car with front wheel drive, 4 wheel drive, and/or studs or snowtires they may not be going anywhere unless the weather warms up over the next few days.

It is definitely warmer today, but it is snowing again.

DD went to the Seahawks game with her boyfirend. We gave them lots of warm stuff to take and wear.

So right, suze. I heard on the radio this morning that cabs were not accepting fares to Capitol Hill, Kent, Renton, or the east side. And of course the few buses that are running are jam-packed. OTOH, I just heard a radio ad for Shuttle Express that made getting around sound like a piece of cake (bet they are regretting that spot today).

Yesterday morning here in Monroe our digital indoor/outdoor thermometor read 2.7 degrees. (Yes, that's 2.7, not 27!) I don't remember it ever being this cold. This winter is definitely turning out to be unique, sigh! I would much rather stick with 40 degree weather! Snow, Snow, go away!

Serendipity42

Yup still no taxis will come to Capitol Hill (last Thursday thru today, Monday) and the bus on my street, well let's just say I've only seen 1 go by in the past few days!!

I'm flying out tomorrow and do have a reservation with Shuttle Express, so I'll report back in how that works out!

If they don't come get me my back-up plan is to walk downtown (hauling my little rolling suitcase) and try to get Metro express to SeaTac or catch the Greyliner at one of the hotels (it is running but not on schedule is what they told me).

Best of luck, suze. I'm hearing the same kind of things about cabs and buses from relatives who live on Queen Anne. They were planning on going to Portland for Christmas, but I'm guessing that's off, unless I-5 really clears up.

Nope, it's not I-5 that is the problem. It's getting OFF the hills in the neighborhoods, like for us on Queen Anne or Capitol Hill. If you can walk downtown, then in the central core things are somewhat more normal (some busses, taxis, Greyliner, etc. running).

Canceled our Hanukkah party last night as the only people that appeared able to make it were ones we weren't all that keen to be alone with. Does that sound mean? Fortunately the holiday is eight days long so we have recovery time.

Just came from the Roosevelt Whole Paycheck and it looked like they were giving money away (as if.) Many humans present.

We have a <b>12-foot</b> snowman down the street. I am a bit pooped from helping neighbors dig out/un-stick/straighten their vehicles in the inclined alley behind our house.

Humbug.

We are stuck at home in Bellingham. Supposed to go to Portland for Christmas but I'm rethinking that. The next storm is due tomorrow night.

Suze - good luck getting downtown! My daughter was 1.5 hours getting a bus from downtown to the U District. This storm is a great example of why Seattle needs light rail.

rosetravels--I would stay put. We are down in Portland, but family is just north of Seattle. We have been on the phone with them comparing notes;) We are bad off down here right now. Stay put and enjoy the scenery right around you.

Thanks for the good wishes. I'll let everyone know how things turn out for me today.