Washington starts this early Sunday under a damp, gray sky as a steady stretch of December rain spreads across the Spokane region. Pavement glistens before sunrise, and light fog lingers in valleys, hinting at the soggy days ahead for drivers and holiday shoppers alike.
According to the National Weather Service in Spokane, rain continues through Tuesday, with the potential for a rain–snow mix by Wednesday morning as colder air slides into eastern Washington. Snow levels sit near 4,000 feet early this week but may dip to 3,600 feet midweek, signaling the region’s first flirtation with true winter conditions.
Rain chances remain near 100% Monday and Tuesday, accompanied by southwest gusts up to 25 mph. Daytime highs hover in the upper 40s to low 50s, while nighttime lows drop into the mid-30s, cold enough for slick spots on bridges and overpasses.
Residents traveling on I-90 toward Coeur d’Alene should plan for wet and breezy drives, especially during the evening commute. Standing water and poor visibility may develop in lower-lying areas, while mountain passes could see light slush or flakes late Tuesday into Wednesday.
Forecasters note that the broader Pacific pattern remains active, with moisture funneled inland through midweek before tapering late Thursday. After that, models hint at a drier but colder stretch into the second week of December, with national systems expected to bring snow and arctic air to the Great Lakes and Midwest by Dec. 11–17—a likely signal of winter’s wider arrival.
Five-Day Outlook (Sun–Thu):
• Today: Rain, high 45°.
• Monday: Breezy rain, high 51°.
• Tuesday: Rain likely, high 48°.
• Wednesday: Rain/snow mix possible, high 48°.
• Thursday: Cloudy, chance of rain, high 43°.
