Spokane, Wash. – Inland Northwest residents woke up to a sharp chill Friday as temperatures across Washington and Idaho dropped more than 20 degrees compared to Thursday morning. The steepest cooldowns were recorded in southeast Washington and the central Idaho Panhandle, where overnight lows signaled the first real taste of fall.
According to the National Weather Service in Spokane, Pullman saw a 24-degree temperature drop in just one day, while Lewiston and Moscow each reported decreases near 20 degrees. Across eastern Washington, Spokane registered a 9-degree dip, with even larger swings stretching south toward Walla Walla and east into north-central Idaho.
The quick change follows a strong cold front that moved through the region late Thursday, replacing recent mild evenings with crisp, fall-like mornings. Drivers should expect cooler pavement temperatures through the weekend, particularly in rural valleys and shaded mountain passes where early-morning frost is possible.
Residents are advised to dress in layers, keep vehicles stocked with cold-weather gear, and allow extra time for morning commutes as the chill lingers. More cool mornings are expected into early next week as high pressure keeps skies clear overnight.