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.