SPOKANE, Wash. – A blustery, rain-soaked weekend will usher in a sharp fall cooldown for eastern Washington as the first real chill of October arrives by Monday morning. After days of mild highs, temperatures will tumble nearly 20 degrees, setting up the season’s first potential frost across outlying valleys.
According to the National Weather Service in Spokane, a series of Pacific disturbances will track inland Saturday and Sunday, bringing widespread showers and gusty southwesterly winds along I-90. Rain could be heavy at times Sunday, especially west of Spokane and near Cheney, reducing visibility for drivers and soaking local pumpkin patches just as weekend events peak.
Cooler, drier air moves in behind the front late Sunday into Monday. Daytime highs will drop into the low 50s with lows near freezing by early Tuesday. That means sensitive plants, pipes, and pets will need protection from the region’s first frost risk of the fall season. Gardeners are urged to cover late-blooming flowers, while motorists should watch for slick spots on rural roads during the morning commute.
By Columbus Day, clearing skies and lighter winds will give way to crisp sunshine — ideal for leaf-peeping or final yard cleanups. But the taste of winter’s chill serves as a reminder: the cold season is fast approaching. Residents should prepare for colder mornings and shorter days as mid-October deepens across the Inland Northwest.
Five-Day Forecast for Spokane, WA:
Fri: 75/52 – Mostly cloudy early, then sunny; breezy late.
Sat: 59/44 – Scattered showers; breezy, cooler.
Sun: 52/39 – Showers likely; gusty south winds.
Mon: 54/32 – Clearing, colder; frost risk by dawn.
Tue: 59/34 – Mostly sunny; crisp fall air.
