Spokane, WA – The Inland Northwest is experiencing a significant heatwave this weekend, with high temperatures expected to soar into the 90s and approach 100 degrees in areas such as Lewiston, Moses Lake, Omak, and Leavenworth. The intense heat, which is expected to continue through Sunday, is exacerbated by wildfire smoke drifting from Oregon and Central Idaho, resulting in increasingly smoky skies.
Today and Saturday are predicted to be the hottest days of the heatwave, with temperatures rising 2-4 degrees above those recorded on Thursday. By Saturday, many locations will reach or surpass the century mark.
As a low-pressure system approaches from Northern California, clouds will increase on Sunday, potentially providing some relief from the extreme temperatures. However, high temperatures are expected to remain close to those of Saturday, with slight cooling depending on cloud cover.
The incoming system may also bring a small chance of light showers and thunderstorms, particularly in the North Cascades and parts of Idaho. While isolated thunderstorm activity is possible, rainfall is expected to be minimal, with amounts likely less than 0.05 inches.