Weather
Eastern Washington Snow Risk Grows as Snow Levels Fall Oct 28-30
Spokane, WA – A colder, wetter weather pattern is taking shape across the Spokane area this week, with repeated rounds of rain and falling snow levels signaling a transition toward more wintry conditi
By Grant Holloway · 2026-10-25T11:06:34.061Z
Spokane, WA – A colder, wetter weather pattern is taking shape across the Spokane area this week, with repeated rounds of rain and falling snow levels signaling a transition toward more wintry conditions by Friday. The most notable change arrives Wednesday through Friday, when snow levels are forecast to descend from approximately 4,500 feet to as low as 2,900 feet. While rain remains the primary expectation within Spokane itself, higher elevations could experience snow as temperatures cool and precipitation continues across eastern Washington.
According to the National Weather Service in Spokane, showers become likely Monday before additional rain chances develop through the middle and latter portions of the week. The forecast calls for a 60% chance of precipitation Wednesday, with showers mainly developing after 11 a.m. Temperatures are expected to reach only 51 degrees, compared with Sunday's projected high near 61 degrees, marking a 10 degree daytime cooldown over three days.
Falling Snow Levels Bring a More Wintry Pattern Wednesday marks the beginning of a potentially more significant transition for higher elevations surrounding Spokane. The National Weather Service places the snow level near 4,500 feet during the afternoon, lowering to approximately 4,400 feet Wednesday night. Showers remain likely through the evening, with another 60% precipitation probability and temperatures falling toward 35 degrees.
The cooling trend continues Thursday as snow levels descend to approximately 4,000 feet during the day. By Thursday night, forecasters expect the snow level near 4,200 feet initially, falling toward 3,400 feet after midnight. A 50% chance of showers remains in the forecast, with overnight temperatures near 33 degrees. These conditions could support snowfall in higher terrain, although the available forecast does not specify accumulation amounts.
Rain Could Affect Travel Across the Spokane Area The approaching wet pattern could create changing driving conditions along Interstate 90, U.S. Highway 2 and other regional routes, particularly where roadways climb into higher elevations. Wet pavement and reduced visibility during showers may require additional caution. Snow becomes a greater consideration on elevated roads as snow levels fall, but the forecast does not establish that accumulating snow will reach Spokane's city streets.
Monday provides the first substantial round of precipitation, with showers likely after 11 a.m. and a 60% chance of rain. Afternoon temperatures reach approximately 54 degrees, followed by additional showers Monday night and a low around 40 degrees. Rainfall amounts are expected to remain below one tenth of an inch during each period, according to the local forecast.
Tuesday offers a brief reduction in precipitation, although a 50% chance of showers remains before 11 a.m. Temperatures reach approximately 53 degrees before another chance of rain develops late Tuesday night. That temporary improvement is expected to give way to renewed showers Wednesday.
Friday Brings the Lowest Snow Levels Friday could represent the coldest daytime period in the available outlook, with temperatures reaching only 48 degrees. The National Weather Service forecasts a 40% chance of showers and snow levels near 2,900 feet before rising toward 3,700 feet during the afternoon. This does not establish snowfall for downtown Spokane, which sits at a substantially lower elevation.
By Friday night, temperatures could fall to approximately 28 degrees, introducing a freezing temperature concern for exposed plants and outdoor plumbing. Snow levels are projected to lower toward 2,600 feet after midnight, although precipitation chances decrease to 20%.
Saturday offers some improvement, with partly sunny skies and temperatures near 49 degrees. However, the extended pattern reinforces the importance of monitoring elevation specific forecasts before traveling into mountainous areas.
Will the colder temperatures and possibility of mountain snow change your travel plans across eastern Washington this week?
Five Day Weather Outlook Sunday 10/25: Partly sunny skies provide the week's mildest conditions, with temperatures reaching approximately 61 degrees and east winds around 6 mph during the afternoon; Sunday night becomes cloudy, with temperatures falling near 37 degrees.
Monday 10/26: Showers become likely after 11 a.m., with a 60% precipitation chance and a high near 54 degrees; additional showers remain likely Monday night, with temperatures dropping to approximately 40 degrees.
Tuesday 10/27: A 50% chance of showers continues before 11 a.m., followed by mostly cloudy skies and a high near 53 degrees; Tuesday night brings a 30% chance of showers after 11 p.m. and a low around 37 degrees.
Wednesday 10/28: Showers become likely after 11 a.m., with a 60% precipitation chance, a high near 51 degrees and snow levels around 4,500 feet; nighttime showers remain likely as temperatures fall to 35 degrees.
Thursday 10/29: Mostly cloudy skies accompany a 50% chance of showers and a high near 50 degrees, with snow levels around 4,000 feet; Thursday night drops toward 33 degrees as snow levels fall toward 3,400 feet.
Extended Weather Outlook Friday, Oct. 30: A 40% chance of showers continues, with a high near 48 degrees. Snow levels could reach 2,900 feet before rising to 3,700 feet during the afternoon. Friday night temperatures fall near 28 degrees, while snow levels could descend toward 2,600 feet after midnight.
Saturday, Oct. 31 — Halloween: Partly sunny skies are expected, with an afternoon high near 49 degrees. The supplied forecast does not specify Saturday night's temperatures or precipitation chances.