Weather
Washington-Idaho Freeze Watch Tonight: Lows Near 29°F Oct 12-13
Spokane, WA – Residents across parts of eastern Washington and north central Idaho are being urged to prepare for a potentially damaging overnight freeze as temperatures could plunge to 29 degrees bet
By Nora Whitfield · 2026-10-12T16:49:32.811Z
Spokane, WA – Residents across parts of eastern Washington and north central Idaho are being urged to prepare for a potentially damaging overnight freeze as temperatures could plunge to 29 degrees between Monday evening and Tuesday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Spokane, a Freeze Watch remains in effect from 11 p.m. Monday through 9 a.m. Tuesday, October 13, with subfreezing temperatures possible across several communities. The alert was updated at 6:43 a.m. Monday.
The watch covers the Moses Lake area, Okanogan Valley, Lower Garfield and Asotin counties in Washington, and the Lewiston area of Idaho.
Communities potentially affected include Moses Lake, Ephrata, Quincy, Othello, Omak, Tonasket, Oroville, Okanogan, Brewster, Bridgeport, Clarkston, Pomeroy, Lewiston and Lapwai.
Temperatures dropping below freezing could threaten crops, gardens and sensitive outdoor vegetation, particularly in areas where plants remain exposed to the cold.
The National Weather Service also warns that unprotected outdoor plumbing could sustain damage if freezing conditions develop.
Homeowners are encouraged to take precautions Monday before temperatures begin falling. Moving potted plants indoors, covering vulnerable vegetation and protecting exposed outdoor pipes can help reduce potential damage.
Farmers and gardeners should pay particular attention to overnight temperatures, especially in lower lying locations where cold air can settle.
While the alert highlights freezing conditions rather than significant precipitation, motorists traveling early Tuesday should remain aware of changing overnight temperatures. Frost may develop on exposed surfaces where sufficient moisture is present.
A Freeze Watch means conditions are favorable for freezing temperatures, but the event is not yet certain. The watch could be upgraded to a Freeze Warning if confidence increases.
Residents should monitor updated National Weather Service forecasts throughout Monday as the region prepares for one of the colder overnight periods of the season.