Washington — A cold, gray sky stretches over eastern Washington this morning as Spokane wakes to a brisk 28°F start and a building storm pattern that could complicate Thanksgiving travel across the region. Wet roads and slick intersections are likely as rain mixes with snow later today and into Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service, a developing rain-snow system will move across the Spokane area through Thanksgiving Day. Drivers heading west on I-90 or north toward Deer Park should expect slushy conditions in the late afternoons and potential low-visibility periods as precipitation intensifies. Travelers are advised to keep extra windshield fluid, check tire tread, and allow added time for evening drives when temperatures dip near freezing.
Rain will become steadier Wednesday before shifting back to snow Wednesday night as cold air deepens. Thanksgiving Day will stay chilly, with highs in the mid-40s and light winds, but forecasters expect scattered snow showers north of Spokane and into the foothills. Friday’s pattern brings another round of mixed rain and snow before a broader U.S. cold front tightens its grip this weekend.
While no major accumulations are expected locally, the early-season chill signals what meteorologists call a “winter tease.” Heavy snow remains possible in parts of the Northwest and northern Rockies between November 25 and December 3, as colder air sweeps south and east — potentially affecting return travel after Thanksgiving.
Five-Day Outlook for Spokane, WA
Wednesday: Rain early, snow chance late. High 42°F.
Thanksgiving Day: Cloudy, rain possible. High 44°F.
Friday: Rain/snow mix. High 44°F.
Saturday: Chance snow, high 39°F.
Sunday: Partly cloudy, high 39°F.
