The cold arctic air that’s mixing with a wet cold front from the Pacific is hitting King County just in time for the evening commute, generating heavy snow showers.

Metro Transit  was warning drivers to expect crowded buses Wednesday evening and for the Thursday morning commute and to check the status of buses.

As was apparent during the day, the cold unstable air can produce a lot of snow in a short time. But the sun has been melting it almost as quickly.

The National Weather Service is reporting that overnight Renton and the  rest of the lowlands could get up to 4 inches of snow. The snow showers will continue through Thursday afternoon, with up to 3 more inches possible.

The highs Thursday will hover around 30 degrees; but despite mostly cloudy skies, the temperature will drop to around 17 degrees Thursday night.

The chance of snow continues to diminish toward week’s end. Lows will remain in the teens, with highs in the low 30s.