Washington — Headlights glow dimly through Spokane’s gray morning haze as light snow mixes with freezing drizzle across the region. The air feels sharp at 32–34°F, cold enough to glaze untreated pavement, and drivers notice a thin shimmer on bridges and secondary roadways. Small flakes drift over rooftops, hinting at a slow but hazardous commute.
Freezing drizzle continues in pockets across eastern Washington and north Idaho, where radar still shows thin bands pivoting through the valleys. Even minimal ice creates unpredictable traction loss, so motorists should slow early, widen following distance, and avoid abrupt braking. Crews report the greatest risk on neighborhood roads, hills, and rural connectors, where treatment is limited.
Snow transitions to rain by late morning, but temperatures climb only into the upper 30s, allowing slush, wet snow, and thin refreeze zones to linger. This is prime flash-freeze season, when daytime melting quickly refreezes under shade or after sunset. Residents should expect changing traction during errands and school pickups.
Friday brings a stronger push of moisture. Snow changes to rain as warmer air lifts snow levels toward 2600–3600 feet. Roads in Spokane stay mostly wet, though bursts of snow may still reduce visibility early. Rain persists into Friday night with gusts near 20–23 mph, making travel slower on US-2 and I-90.
Saturday trends quieter with scattered showers and highs in the mid-40s. Sunday brings another round of rain and a steady December chill. Meanwhile, long-range models continue highlighting a December 11–17 lake-effect snow surge across the Midwest and Great Lakes—something to watch if holiday travel plans extend there.
Five-Day Outlook — Spokane, WA
• Today: Snow → rain, high 36°F.
• Friday: Rain/snow early → rain, high 41°F.
• Saturday: Chance rain, high 45°F.
• Sunday: Rain likely, high 47°F.
• Monday: Rain likely, high 42°F.
