Fall Weather Arrives in the Inland Northwest: Showers, Cooler Temperatures, and Breezy Conditions

Friday is expected to bring a brief respite from the rain, with mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the 70s across the Inland Northwest.Photo byDocumericaonUnsplash

The Inland Northwest is transitioning into a fall-like weather pattern as cooler temperatures and widespread showers make their way across the region. According to the National Weather Service in Spokane, the weather shift brings a mix of rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds, especially in parts of central and northern Idaho. Meanwhile, much of Central Washington is expected to dry out with breezy northwest winds.

Rainfall in Idaho

The central Idaho Panhandle is experiencing steady rain, with areas like the Camas Prairie, Lewiston, St. Joe, and Shoshone County receiving two to four tenths of an inch of rain since the morning hours. This rainfall is expected to intensify overnight, as low pressure deepens in Montana due to an approaching upper-level disturbance. Communities near the Montana border, including Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint, and Clark Fork, could see as much as half an inch of additional rain by Thursday morning.

In comparison, Washington communities closer to the Idaho border, such as Spokane and Deer Park, have a 40% chance of receiving at least a tenth of an inch of rain, while areas further west like Moses Lake and Wenatchee have only a 10% chance of seeing any significant precipitation.

Winds and Fire Concerns in Central Washington

As the low pressure strengthens in Montana, breezy conditions will develop in Central Washington. By Thursday morning, northwest winds will reach sustained speeds of 15 to 20 mph, with gusts approaching 30 mph across the Okanogan Valley, Upper Columbia Basin, and Palouse. Although humidity levels will remain high enough to prevent Red Flag Warnings, temperatures nearing 80 degrees could increase the risk of grass and brush fires spreading quickly in dry areas.

Weekend Outlook

Friday is expected to bring a brief respite from the rain, with mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the 70s across the Inland Northwest. Winds will shift to the southwest at 10 to 15 mph as the region comes under the influence of a shortwave ridge. However, showers are likely to return to the northern mountains over the weekend, while the rest of the region stays dry and pleasant.