Eastern Washington Weather: Warm Days Ahead, but Cold Front Brings Rain and Snow Later This Week

snow levels will drop to around 3,500 feet in the Cascades and 4,000 feet in the Idaho PanhandlePhoto byDenys NevozhaionUnsplash

The National Weather Service in Spokane has announced a warm and generally dry start to the week, with daytime highs reaching the 70s. However, significant changes are expected by midweek as a cold front approaches, bringing rain, breezy winds, and cooler temperatures.

Today through Tuesday, many locations will experience temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above average, with dry conditions prevailing until Tuesday afternoon. The Cascade crest may see precipitation as early as Monday, but most areas will not experience showers until late Tuesday.

Starting Wednesday, a shift in the weather pattern is anticipated, as an energetic trough moves into the Inland Northwest. This will bring an abundance of moisture, with precipitation expected to begin late Tuesday and continue through Wednesday. Rainfall totals are predicted to range from 0.30 inches in Spokane to as much as 0.70-1.00 inches near the Cascade Crest.

As the cold front moves through on Wednesday night, snow levels will drop to around 3,500 feet in the Cascades and 4,000 feet in the Idaho Panhandle, with mountain passes likely receiving several inches of snow. Lookout Pass could see 2-4 inches, while Stevens Pass may receive 3-8 inches.

Temperatures are set to cool significantly, with highs on Wednesday expected to be in the mid-50s to mid-60s, and further drops to the upper 40s to 50s by Thursday. Winds will also pick up, with gusts possibly reaching 25-30 mph, raising concerns for blowing dust in the Columbia Basin, which remains abnormally dry.