SPOKANE – The morning air is crisp, with low clouds drifting over the Spokane River and a light chill clinging to the valley. After a stretch of calm, bright days, the Inland Northwest is gearing up for a wetter, colder turn — a sign that November’s winter transition has begun.
According to the National Weather Service in Spokane, scattered rain showers begin to develop late Monday, becoming widespread by Tuesday and lasting into Wednesday. Rain could briefly mix with snow in higher neighborhoods near the foothills, while true snow levels drop to around 3,000 feet Tuesday night. That means early flakes are possible in Chewelah, Newport, and the Silver Valley before tapering Wednesday evening.
Travelers on U.S. 2, I-90 east toward Lookout Pass, and mountain routes into northern Idaho should be alert for slick roads and reduced visibility, especially late Tuesday into early Wednesday. Rainfall totals through midweek will generally range from 0.25 to 0.75 inches, enough to make roads greasy and slow leaf-clogged drains in lower elevations.
By Thursday, the rain begins to ease, but cooler air lingers, keeping daytime highs in the low 50s. Nights will fall near the mid-30s, allowing patchy fog to form in low-lying valleys. Looking ahead, early long-range models hint at another moisture surge next weekend — potentially stronger and colder, with the first measurable snow of the season possible in northern counties before mid-November.
For now, keep the jackets and umbrellas close — Spokane’s November pattern is turning active, with more rain systems lining up under a weak La Niña setup.
Five-Day Outlook for Spokane, WA:
Mon: 50/36 – Cloudy; rain develops late.
Tue: 51/38 – Rain likely; cooler trend.
Wed: 53/41 – Rain; snow possible above 3,000 ft.
Thu: 55/40 – Showers fading; mostly cloudy.
Fri: 54/34 – Partly sunny; brisk and dry.
