Washington greets the morning with sharp cold and silent streets, where frost coats windshields and footsteps crunch on frozen pavement.
Washington’s Weather Alert centers on Spokane as winter holds firm early, then gradually loosens its grip heading into midweek. Temperatures sat near 21 degrees before sunrise, cold enough for icy sidewalks and slick side roads. Calm winds make the cold feel heavier, especially in shaded neighborhoods and valley bottoms.
Dry conditions dominate the short term. Skies trend partly sunny through Tuesday, with afternoon highs climbing into the upper 30s. That warming helps during daylight, but once the sun fades, temperatures drop quickly. Refreezing remains a concern each evening, especially where daytime melting occurs.
By Wednesday, conditions begin to shift. Clouds thicken, and a slight chance of rain and snow develops by late morning. Snow levels hover near 2,200 feet, placing Spokane close to the transition zone. Light snow accumulation remains limited, but bursts of mixed precipitation could briefly reduce visibility. Drivers should plan extra time during the late morning and evening commute.
Wednesday night brings a continued chance of rain or snow, though totals stay light. Roads may turn slushy in spots before temperatures dip near 30 degrees again. Thursday trends milder, with highs near 41 degrees. Snow levels rise toward 3,000 feet, favoring rain in the city while nearby hills see wet snow.
Friday continues unsettled but warmer. Rain chances linger, and highs reach the mid-40s. Even so, winter hazards persist. Wet pavement can flash-freeze after sunset, especially on bridges and lesser-traveled roads.
Looking ahead, NOAA’s 6–10 day outlook points to below-normal precipitation easing later next week, while temperatures trend closer to seasonal norms across eastern Washington.
For now, Spokane faces a classic January pattern. Cold mornings, brief daytime relief, and a midweek rain-snow mix keep winter in play. How slick did the sidewalks feel where you stepped out this morning?
Five-Day Outlook for Spokane, Washington
- Tuesday: Partly sunny, high near 38°F
- Wednesday: Chance of rain and snow, high near 39°F
- Thursday: Chance of rain, high near 41°F
- Friday: Chance of rain, high near 45°F
- Saturday: Slight chance of rain, high near 46°F
