SPOKANE, WASHINGTON — Colder air and a developing winter weather system are expected to impact Washington State and northern Idaho beginning Friday and continuing into early Saturday, with snowfall, falling snow levels, and slick travel conditions forecast across much of the Inland Northwest. The National Weather Service Spokane office warns that travel impacts could extend from mountain passes into lower-elevation valleys by Saturday morning as temperatures continue to drop.
Forecast briefings indicate that while snow will initially focus on higher terrain, rapidly cooling temperatures could allow slick conditions to spread into areas that primarily see rain early in the event.
What Weather Conditions Are Expected
Forecasters are calling for a mix of rain and snow across the Inland Northwest, with the heaviest snowfall expected across mountain passes in Washington and across northern Idaho. Snow accumulation graphics show the highest totals concentrated near elevated terrain, while lower elevations may see lighter snowfall totals or rain changing to snow.
In addition to snowfall, cold morning temperatures are expected both Saturday and Sunday, increasing the risk of refreezing on roadways. Officials note that even areas receiving rain earlier could see slick surfaces once temperatures fall overnight.
Timing of the Snow and Cold Air
The snow event is expected to begin early Friday, intensify through Friday night, and taper off by Saturday morning. As colder air moves in late Friday night, snow levels are forecast to drop rapidly, increasing the likelihood of snow and icy conditions in valleys by daybreak Saturday…