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