Spokane, WA – Residents across eastern Washington may catch a rare northern lights display tonight, with mostly clear skies ahead of a warmer, snow-producing system expected later this week.
According to the US National Weather Service Spokane and the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, a G4 (Severe) geomagnetic storm remains active, giving much of the Pacific Northwest another opportunity to see the aurora borealis Thursday night into early Friday. Viewing is best between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m., away from city lights and under open northern horizons.
While skies remain clear for most of tonight, a warmer storm system will begin moving inland Thursday, bringing light to moderate mountain snow mainly over Washington Pass, where 3–8 inches could fall through Saturday morning. Stevens, Sherman, and Lookout Passes are likely to see less accumulation due to warmer air aloft.
Drivers planning to cross the Cascades should still use caution as wet, slushy roads and reduced visibility are possible overnight Thursday into early Saturday.
If skies stay clear early this evening, look north — the aurora could once again illuminate the Inland Northwest before snow clouds move in.
