THIS WEEK’S WEATHER EXPLAINER

TONIGHT/TUESDAY: High pressure that’s been trapping cold, stagnant air over the region began breaking down today as the first in a series of weak systems moves through. Tonight’s system will bring light rain showers to the Lewiston / Clarkston through Tuesday.  With temperatures below freezing, the Spokane/ CDA area should receive about ½ of snow, mixed with areas of freezing rain at times. Travelers should prepare for a slippery Tuesday morning drive along I-90. The Palouse can expect rain mixed with snow without much accumulation. Areas north of Spokane and east of Orofino & Grangeville can expect all snow.

NEW YEARS EVE NIGHT: Light showers should end about 10pm from the Palouse to the L/C Valley. Temperatures should drop to freezing by sunrise NEW YEARS DAY. Plan on partly cloudy skies Wednesday with afternoon highs reaching the upper 30s.

A better chance of rain reaches the area THURSDAY NIGHT.  The valley can expect about ¼ inch or less with rain changing to light snow as temperatures drop during the afternoon. THE WEEKEND should be cool and dry with morning lows in the 20s and highs in the upper 30s.

JULIA'S END OF THE YEAR FORECAST - L/C VALLEY

Drizzly tonight & Tues, dry & cold New Years Eve, better chance of showers Thursday night.

END OF THE YEAR FORECAST - L/C VALLEY

TONIGHT: liquid drips or drizzle, only a trace if any to measure (.01” to .02”). low temperature in the mid 30s.

TUESDAY: mostly cloudy & drizzly day. high temperature in the low 40s.

NEW YEARS EVE: mostly cloudy, drips ending about 10pm. Total rainfall should be light (.05”). low temperature near freezing by sunrise.

NEW YEARS DAY: brisk morning, warming to upper 30s by 3 to 4pm. partly cloudy.

THURSDAY: partly cloudy, warmest afternoon temp in the upper 40s.

THURSDAY NIGHT: soggy overnight, lows staying above freezing in the mid 30s.

FRIDAY: light rain in the morning as temperatures warm to near 40 degrees. Showers changing to snow as temperatures drop later in the day. Total rain/snow total of about ¼”.

SATURDAY: partly sunny with afternoon high temps in the upper 30s.

SUNDAY: morning clouds giving way to afternoon sun, high temp in the mid to upper 30s.

Wintry Mix tonight - slippery drive tomorrow

A mix of light rain, light freezing rain or light snow is expected across the Interstate 90 corridor from the West Plains, into the Spokane and Coeur d'Alene areas and east to Lookout Pass. Any precipitation amounts will be quite light but it only takes a very small amount of freezing rain to create hazardous driving conditions. Snow will be more likely in the Deer park and Sandpoint areas. Rain will be more likely for the Pullman and Lewiston areas.
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/FXC/wxstory.php?wfo=otx

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
FOR PALOUSE, COEUR D`ALENE AREA,SPOKANE AREA

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SPOKANE SUN DEC 29 2013

TONIGHT
LOW CLOUDS AND FOG WILL PERSIST IN MANY OF THE VALLEYS WITH
POSSIBLE DRIZZLE.  TEMPERATURES BELOW FREEZING MAY MAKE ROADS SLIPPERY.

MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY

A SLIGHT CHANCE OF FREEZING RAIN EXISTS...MAINLY ALONG HIGHWAY 2
BETWEEN AIRWAY HEIGHTS AND GRAND COULEE DAM STARTING MONDAY
MORNING AND CONTINUING THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING. OTHER AREAS WHERE
FREEZING RAIN MAY IMPACT LOCAL ROADS WILL BE ACROSS THE OKANOGAN
VALLEY AND INTO THE NORTHERN PORTIONS OF THE WATERVILLE PLATEAU.

Photo Card

Photo Card

View the entire collection of cards.

SHORT TERM FORECAST
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SPOKANE 
SAT DEC 28 2013

INCLUDING THE CITIES OF MOSCOW, PULLMAN, UNIONTOWN, GENESSEE, COLFAX, ROSALIA, OAKESDALE, TEKOE, LA CROSSE,COEUR D`ALENE,POST FALLS,HAYDEN,WORLEY,MOSCOW,

PLUMMER, POTLATCH, SPOKANE, CHENEY,DAVENPORT,ROCKFORD

NOW...
AREAS OF FOG HAVE FORMED ONCE AGAIN THIS MORNING. THIS FOG WILL BE LOCALLY 

DENSE WITH VISIBILITIES BELOW 1/4 MILE. WITH TEMPERATURES WELL BELOW FREEZING 

THIS FOG MAY CREATE SLICK ROAD CONDITIONS. DRIVERS SHOULD ALLOW FOR EXTRA TIME
FOR TRAVEL THIS MORNING ON AREA ROADWAYS. FOG WILL GRADUALLY THIN OUT THIS 

MORNING.

TODAY'S BIG WEATHER STORY IS...Air Stagnation

An Air Stagnation Advisory is in effect for the areas in gray through Noon Monday December 30th. High pressure and a stable air mass are causing these stagnant conditions for much of central and eastern Washington. A continued build up of particulates, smoke and other pollution is expected.

 http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/FXC/wxstory.php?wfo=otx

2013 Top Ten Weather Events For Eastern Washington / North Idaho

In chronological order, here are 10 of the top weather stories of 2013 for eastern Washington and northern Idaho.  L/C Valley June flood, Rathdrum severe winds...

read all http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/otx/photo_gallery/TopTen2013.pdf

Region falls short on snow

Many areas around the region have fallen behind seasonal averages when it comes to snowfall. The Cascades into the Columbia Basin seem to be the worst off with some areas such as Wenatchee only seeing a Trace of snow so far this winter. This chart sums up some of the snowfall shortages, the rarity of this winters lack of snowfall and how much snow we need to get back to normal. Looking at the next 7 days it does not appear that any significant winter system will enter the region, so these deficits could become worse as we move into the new year.                        
read more  http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/FXC/wxstory.php?wfo=otx

Decapitated goat discovered on levy

By Sophie Miraglio Published: Dec 26, 2013

CLARKSTON, WA - Asotin County Sheriffs deputies are investigating a disturbing case after the discovery of a decapitated goat by the Snake River.

We want to warn you, for some of our more sensitive viewers this story and images may be considered graphic.

According to investigators, a goat was placed in a dog carrier with its head removed and left on the levy in Clarkston. Captain Dan Hally said this does not point to a satanic ritual but they're not ruling anything out at this time.  
read more
http://www.klewtv.com/news/local/Decapitated-goat-head-discovered-along--237360891.html

Odds for a White Christmas in the NorthWest

For the Spokane area and the Palouse, it's going to be a close call.

As expected, Friday's storm brought snow to many, but not all, valley locations. The Columbia Basin received little if any snow, while southeast Washington and the southern Panhandle saw the best snowfall, up to 8". Most other locations received around 2-3". Now, can we hold on to it? Warmer air began moving into our area on Monday, along with some light rain (or snow along the Canadian border). But the real problem will be the warm, moist wind. This kind of wind eats snow rather quickly.

The northern valleys and Idaho Panhandle will probalby keep most of their snow. For the Spokane area and the Palouse, it's going to be a close call. These will be the windiest locations, so a couple of inches on the ground Monday morning may disappear by the evening. Any snow left by Tuesday morning will survive until Christmas, as the weather will be dry and cold for the remainder of the week.

Winchester 74%, Coeur d'Alene 60% - Check the link for your area's chances:

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/otx/cases/white_christmas.php

SANTA TRACKER- Watch his journy in real time

He's already delivering presents to parts of the world

How many gifts has he delivered? where was he last seen? where is he heading? 

Track Santa on his sleigh ride around the globe with the official NORAD (global radar network).
click link to see http://www.noradsanta.org/

Week's Best New Space Pictures: Christmas Lights and Vermont Nights

Christmas Tree Nebula Shines for the Season

Photograph by Fred Herrmann, National Geographic Your Shot

Season's greetings! The Cone and Christmas Tree nebulae glow merrily in this lovely view submitted to National Geographic's Your Shot on December 17.

Hydrogen gas lit by a bright star inside the nebula explains the ruddy glow of theChristmas Tree Nebula.

Roughly 2,700 light-years away, the Cone Nebula (on the left) poses a bit of a puzzle to astronomers. They suspect that a powerful stellar wind from a compact star at the tip of the cone explains its shape.

—Dan Vergano

Published December 20, 2013 

check out more fab pics    http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/12/pictures/131220-best-new-space-photos-276-science-christmas-milky-way-vermont/

The Fracking/Ozone Mystery-

There is an important atmospheric mystery that needs to be understood, quickly.                                Cliff Mass Weather Blog Dec. 23, 2013

 As many of you know, natural gas fracking has become widespread across the
United States and is now a major source of natural gas used in heating, power
generation, and other applications.  Such fracking injects chemicals and sand
 under high pressure to produce cracks in underlying rock strata, with the sand
 keeping the pores open to allow the escape of large quantities of natural gas
(methane).

And now the mystery part.   In regions where fracking is being done, some quite rural, extraordinarily high ozone values are being observed.   And such ozone values have been particularly elevated over regions of snow.  But why?

 And let's remember that ozone, while wonderful protection from ultraviolet radiation when concentrated in the stratosphere, is NOT your friend near the surface.  Ozone is a powerful lung irritant that contributes to asthma and other breathing disorders.   High ozone values can also lead to heart disease and premature death and can greatly damage plants.

Pretty nasty stuff.

So it is very important to understand why fracking is associated with high ozone values, why snow is important, and what we can do to mitigate such ozone production during fracking operations  

read more  http://cliffmass.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-frackingozone-mystery.html

Medical Marijuana overhaul includes mandatory list of medical patients

By Veronica Miracle Published: Dec 18, 2013

CLARKSTON, WA - A complete set of regulation changes for the medical marijuana industry in Washington may be taking place next year. 

The Washington State Liquor Control Board approved final recommendations that'll go before the legislature. The overhaul is a move that ensures the medical marijuana industry doesn't compete with the newly legalized recreational marijuana market.


read more:  http://www.klewtv.com/news/local/Medical-Marijuana-overhaul-includes-mandatory-list-of-medical-patients--236482321.html

marijuania moratorium approved in Asotin County

By Veronica Miracle Published: Dec 18, 2013
CLARKSTON, WA - A sixth month marijuana moratorium is now in effect after Monday night's Asotin County Commission meeting. 

The hold restricts the use, sale and distribution of pot in the county. This includes the city limits of Clarkston as they passed their own separate moratorium last week. Asotin County Attorney Jane Risley said the hold is for the benefit of the zoning and planning commission. Risley said the federal government shares some of their concerns with the law. However the moratorium didn't pass without pushback.

"My belief is that a moratorium is not necessary," said Clarkston resident Matt Clemens.
read more: http://www.klewtv.com/news/local/Marijuania-moratorium-in-Asotin-County-236301651.html

Can You ID.me website helps Clarkston Police catch criminals

By Veronica Miracle Published: Dec 18, 2013

CLARKSTON, WA - Just mere days after the Clarkston Police Department starting using the "Can You ID me" website, two suspects are positively identified by the public. 

Canyouidme.com is a collaborative website used by police departments across the State of Washington. They post pictures of suspects or people wanted for questioning in hopes that locals can identify them. 

Sergeant Josh Daniel said they posted two different cases to the site last week. Within 24-hours of posting the pictures, they arrested a man the police department had been trying to identify for almost two months. 
read more: http://www.klewtv.com/news/local/Can-you-ID-me-website-fruitfull-236391461.html
 

Does it *really* rain in Seattle '24/7'? Not even close!

By Scott Sistek Published: Dec 16, 2013 

It was an off hand and innocuous remark in a Tweet from someone back East after I had posted a sunset photo of Mt. Rainier: "Seattle -- I thought it rained 24/7 there?" 

Yes, yes, we get that all the time, right up there with "it rains 9 months of the year there." But it got me to wondering, if not "24/7" -- how often does it really rain in Seattle? 
Believe it or not, the data is actually out there to find out.

Read entire fascinating (weather geeky) article:
 http://www.komonews.com/weather/blogs/scott/Does-it-really-rain-in-Seattle-247-Not-even-close-235815241.html

Pedestrians protect themselves from a steady evening rain as they walk or pause near colorful holiday lights Monday, Nov. 18, 2013, in downtown Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Expect Delays Tuesday 12/17 on Memorial Bridge

By Veronica Miracle Published: Dec 16, 2013
They'll start work at seven in the morning and won't get done until four p.m. 
LEWISTON, ID - If you're traveling across Memorial Bridge in Lewiston Tuesday expect delays throughout the day. 
Idaho Department of Transportation spokesperson Mel Coulter said they're closing one lane at a time Tuesday to fix joints on the bridge.
Read More
http://www.klewtv.com/news/local/Expect-delays-Tuesday-1217-on-Memorial-Bridge-236121011.html

Are Storms Getting More Intense Over the Pacific Northwest?

CLIFF MASS WEATHER BLOG
Sunday, december 15, 2013
It is rare to have a week go by without a local media outlet doing a story suggesting that storms are getting worse in our area, with global warming being the suggested cause.  For example, last month KING-5 ran a story saying exactly that (see image), quoting from a representative of  the National Conservancy.

And this is not the only example of claims that Northwest storms are strengthening.

The sad thing is that these claims of increased storms in our region are simply not true,contradicted by the both observations and the peer-reviewed literature.   The "experts" quoted are often representatives of well-meaning, but poorly informed, advocacy groups.

All too often, the media is failing to do their homework in checking out the veracity of these claims.    So let's do the homework for them!  Let's look at key observations to see if there are any trends in storminess in our region.
read more http://cliffmass.blogspot.com/2013/12/are-storms-getting-more-intense-over.html

Santa Claus may be disguised as a police officer in city of Asotin

By Sophie Miraglio Published: Dec 15, 2013

ASOTIN, WA - The Christmas spirit is alive and well in the city of Asotin, as one couple's quest to give underprivileged children a nice Christmas has spread.

Asotin Police Officer Josh Allen and his wife gave children at the Northwest Children's Home presents, and their spirit was contagious. Now the whole Asotin Police Department is sponsoring the group home's toy drive for Christmas...
read more:
http://www.klewtv.com/news/local/Act-of-Kindness-spreads-in-city-of-Asotin-235932131.html

IDAHO RANKS AMONG HEALTHIEST STATES

By Sophie Miraglio Published: Dec 13, 2013

LEWISTON, ID - Idaho ranks 12th among all U.S. states in overall health, that's according to a new national report that highlights the strengths and challenges that all 50 states face.

The Gem State significantly improved from last year when the state ranked 19th. However three challenges Idahoans have are low immunization coverage, limited availability of primary care physicians, and a high frequency of whooping cough. 

Doctor David Petersen of Valley Medical Center family physician, said the problems of low immunization and pertussis infections often go hand-in-hand.

http://www.klewtv.com/news/local/Health-in-state-of-Idaho-235768341.html

Clarkston School Dist. leaders share their plans for a bond and levy

By Veronica Miracle Published: Dec 13, 2013
The high school lacks adequate lockdown security mechanisms and has multiple entryways.

Clarkston School District leaders are asking local voters to pass a levy and bond this coming February. The proposed levy would pay for operating costs for teachers and their materials. It'd be $3.96 cents per thousand dollars of assessed property value which would collect nearly $5 million for the school district if passed by the voters
http://www.klewtv.com/news/local/Clarkston-School-Dist-Levy-235734281.html

Angie’s List: Tips to make your house more energy efficient

By Morgan Aguilar Published: Dec 13, 2013
"You can help save money by upgrading inefficient appliances and inefficient windows and doors," said Angie's List Owner, Angie Hicks. "But you need to make sure that your item is old enough that you are going to get a nice ROI on the investment. I replaced a furnace on a 20-year-old house not that long ago and we immediately saw savings in our heating and cooling bills. On top of that, the house was just more comfortable."
FULL ARTICLE  http://www.klewtv.com/news/local/Angies-List-Tips-to-make-your-house-more-energy-efficient-235745541.html

An Energy auditor will take infrared and digital pictures and make suggestions on how to fix problems.

NATIVITIES AROUND THE WORLD CHRISTMAS TRADITION CONTINUES

more nativities that represent a wider variety of countries and religions. 

MOSCOW, ID - Moscow’s display of hundreds of Christmas 'Nativities from Around the World' is back for its fifth year. 

Community members lend their personal nativities to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and the church hosts this expansive display to remind people about the true meaning of Christmas. This event grows every Christmas, and this year there’s more nativities that represent a wider variety of countries and religions. 
FULL ARTICLE   http://www.klewtv.com/news/local/Nativities-Around-the-World-is-a-favorite-Christmas-tradition-235740041.html

TODAY'S FORECAST

LEWISTON/CLARKSTON:  

TODAY: Total Valley Snow Accumulation expected at about 1/2 inch or less.  Snow/Freezing drizzle may continue until 10am, then cloudy skies the rest of the day with light winds and afternoon high temperature in the upper 30s.  

TONIGHT: Mostly Cloudy, low temperature 30 degrees.

MORNING SNOW & FREEZING DRIZZLE

SNOW  south of I-90 should shift to upper Palouse and Panhandle Mountains by 4am. However, FREEZING DRIZZLE may linger in it's wake through morning.
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/FXC/wxstory.php?wfo=otx

Newly installed road sign reflectors alert drivers that surface is frozen

By Veronica Miracle Published: Dec 10, 2013

Black ice, a common culprit for winter accidents, forms along roads late at night and in the early morning hours when temperatures hit below freezing.

CLARKSTON, WA - 

To get drivers to slow down the Asotin County Public Works Department recently installed these handy reflectors. They turn blue when the area gets below freezing. A few have been installed around the county near steep grades, like this one at the bottom of Critchfield Road.

"There just another indicator for the driving public and let them know that the driving surface temperatures are frozen," said Asotin County Public Works Director, Jim Bridges. "They might encounter ice on the road and to take proper precautions."

More Pics  http://www.klewtv.com/news/local/freezing-reflectors-235233771.html

A Lighted Christmas Parade to Kick Off the Holidays

By Sophie Miraglio Published: Dec 10, 2013

CLARKSTON, WA - A chilly night couldn't stop parade goers from enjoying the 27th annual Christmas parade on Saturday night. 

Despite below average temperatures and a few snowflakes here and there, people had smiles on their faces in Clarkston as the parade made its way down 5th Street. The lighted parade featured many floats from businesses and local groups from all over the community

Read More...http://www.klewtv.com/news/local/27th-annuall-Lighted-Christmas-Parade-235233111.html

Time lapse of Earth, as seen by the ISS

By Scott Sistek Published: Dec 9, 2013 
Check out this compilation of time lapse video as seen from the ISS courtesy of David Peterson. The comet you see toward the end is Comet Lovejoy. 

watch video - http://www.komonews.com/weather/blogs/scott/Time-lapse-compilation-of-Earth-as-seen-by-the-ISS-234353761.html

Too Cold Saturday for Walla Walla Parade

WALLA WALLA, WASH. — It's too cold for a parade this weekend in Walla Walla.

The Downtown Walla Walla Foundation has postponed the Macy's Parade of Lights scheduled for Saturday to the following Saturday, Dec. 14.

Events manager Gina Grant Bull says they didn't want to expose an estimated 5,000 spectators to a forecast temperature no warmer than 11 degrees.

Read more here: http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2013/12/06/3357914/too-cold-saturday-for-walla-walla.html#storylink=cpy

http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2013/12/06/3357914/too-cold-saturday-for-walla-walla.html

Single-digit temperatures a problem for pets

By Rachel Dubrovin Published: Dec 6

PULLMAN, WA - We're seeing single-digit temperatures on the Palouse this week and, for us humans, that's cold. But this weather can be even tougher on pets because they can't bundle up like we do. 

What pet and livestock owners should be doing to keep their animals safe as temperatures drop.      

full article    http://www.klewtv.com/news/local/234774521.html

CHROMATION- an incredible black and white time lapse tour of the NorthWest

"Welcome to 'Chromation,' a black and white tour of the Northwest," Jensen wrote on his Vimeo page. 
He says there is something truly beautiful about the Northwest, and part of that beauty is shaped by the weather. 

"While I love clear skies for shooting stars, I am more and more drawn to the variety of weather phenomenon in the Northwest.

Truly a MUST SEE.  Check out the video here:
http://www.komonews.com/weather/blogs/scott/Time-lapse-video-shows-Northwest-is-still-gorgeous-even-without-color-234351561.html

Law enforcement plan increased patrols looking for impaired drivers

By Sophie Miraglio Published: Dec 6, 2013

LEWISTON, ID - The Lewiston Police Department will be stepping up patrols this holiday season to stop people from drinking and driving.
"... we look for anything from driving without your headlights on to aggressive driving," said Hopple.  

more  http://www.klewtv.com/news/local/Extra-patrols-keeping-streets-safer-234817271.html

Photographer gets incredible close-up shots of snowflakes

Macro shot of natural snowflake courtesy of Alexey Kljatov. (Used with permission from photographer and CC 2.0 license.) 

By Scott Sistek Published: Dec 3, 2013

There's nothing like a blanket of fresh snow to make for picturesque scenes around the Pacific Northwest, but among the snowmen and sleigh
rides are hidden secrets of the breath-taking beauty of Mother Nature.

But photographer Alexey Kljatov has unlocked some of those secrets, using a unique camera set up to get intricate photos of individual snowflakes, which show off an amazing level of detail that each snowflake carries. They say no two snowflakes are alike, and these photographs show why.

Kljatov lives in Russia -- no stranger to snow in the winter -- and has set up a camera on his balcony to capture each individual snowflake's glory.

more.....   http://www.komonews.com/weather/blogs/scott/Photographer-gets-incredible-close-up-shots-of-snowflakes-234273781.html

Lewiston Police caution consumers using debit cards at businesses

By Sophie Miraglio Published: Dec 5, 2013

LEWISTON, ID - URM stores now have increased security measures designed to stop any further cyber attacks. However the Lewiston Police Department said that extra precautions should still be taken regardless. 

The cyber attack that plagued URM stores like Rosauers has been blocked from continuing, that's according to URM CEO Ray Sprinkle. Lewiston Police Lieutenant Budd Hurd said while the recent cyber attack that accessed card information was out of our control, there are things we do have control over  
full article:  http://www.klewtv.com/news/local/Fraud-234620671.html

Cold Facts and Snow in SE Washington

Cliff Mass Weather Blog

We are now experiencing our coldest weather since January, with temperatures falling below zero in "favored" spots of eastern Washington and Oregon.  Snow is coming to the Northwest during the next two days, but unfortunately will miss most of Washington.
But first, this morning there was an unusual sight:  a line of clouds down the center of Puget Sound (see picture from the UW web cam facing the Olympics).  The cause?  The cold air! 

THE FRUSTRATING THING FOR SNOW LOVERS is that the low is passing too far offshore to bring snow to most of Washington, perhaps light snow on the WA coast and moderate snow over central and southern Oregon as the low swings eastward south of us.  If the low was one hundred miles to the east and Seattle would be white. Oregon is nearly COMPLETELY covered with snow, with the  exception of Portland and Columbia Gorge.  Northern CA gets snow.   Just not fair.

COMPLETE ARTICLE:  http://cliffmass.blogspot.com/2013/12/cold-facts-and-coastaloregon-snow.html

Driving too fast on Icy roads caused fatality on Moscow-Pullman Highway

STATE PATROL REMINDS EVERYONE TO SLOW WAY DOWN WHEN ROADS ARE ICY

 By Rachel Dubrovin Published: Dec 4, 2013 

PULLMAN, WA - New information Tuesday night about the two-car collision that killed a woman on the Moscow-Pullman Highway Monday afternoon.

According to Washington State Patrol Trooper Courtney Shawley, 31-year-old Ruth Leritte of St. John was traveling westbound on Highway 270 at around 4:00 p.m. when she lost control of her SUV on the icy road. Leritte's vehicle drifted into the oncoming lane and was T-boned by an eastbound SUV. She was pronounced dead at the scene

full story:  http://www.klewtv.com/news/local/Highway-270-fatality--234459401.html