Honestly, Spokane winters are a mood. You’ve probably heard the rumors: it’s just a gray, frozen block for three months straight. But if you’re looking at the Spokane 14 day weather forecast, you’ll see the reality is a bit more nuanced. It’s not just about surviving the cold; it’s about timing your grocery runs between the slush and the sun breaks.
Right now, we are sitting in that weird late-January pocket where the Inland Northwest can't decide if it wants to be a winter wonderland or just a giant puddle.
The Immediate Outlook: Shifting Clouds and Subtle Sun
Basically, the next few days are looking relatively calm, which is a gift in this part of Washington. Today, Sunday, January 18, we’re seeing partly sunny skies with a current temperature of 31°F. It’s crisp. It’s quiet. The wind is barely a whisper, coming from the north at only 2 mph.
If you’re planning to head out, here is what the start of the week looks like:
- Monday: It’s going to get a bit more "classic Spokane" with mostly cloudy skies and a high of 33°F.
- Tuesday: A little treat. We're expecting mostly sunny conditions and a high of 35°F.
- Wednesday & Thursday: The clouds return to stay. Highs will hover around 35°F and 34°F, with lows dipping to 25°F.
One thing to keep an eye on is the humidity. It’s currently at 84%, which means that "dry cold" people talk about isn't exactly the reality this week. It feels a bit heavier, a bit more biting.
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The Mid-Range Flip: When the Snow Returns
Don't get too comfortable with the dry pavement. Around Friday, January 23, things take a turn. We are looking at a 20% to 25% chance of snow moving in. By Saturday, that light snow likely continues as the high drops to 31°F and the low hits 21°F.
This isn't a massive blizzard, but it's enough to make the North Hill or the South Hill hills a bit spicy for morning commuters.
Is a Heat Wave Coming?
Kinda. By the following Wednesday, January 28, the forecast shows us climbing up to 42°F. For anyone living here, that feels like a tropical vacation after a week of sub-freezing nights. This warming trend usually brings the "big melt," which means slushy intersections and a lot of car washing.
Understanding the Spokane Winter Patterns
What most people get wrong about Spokane is the "Rain Shadow" effect. Because we are tucked away from the Cascades, we don't get the constant soaking drizzle that Seattle deals with. Instead, we get these high-pressure systems that trap cold air and clouds in the valley—what locals call "The Gray."
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Historically, late January is the homestretch. The length of the day is actually increasing by about two minutes every single day right now. By the end of this 14-day window, we’ll have nearly an hour more daylight than we did on New Year’s Day.
Practical Survival Tips for the Next 14 Days
Since we’re looking at a mix of sun, clouds, and eventual snow showers, your wardrobe needs to be as indecisive as the weather.
- Layering is non-negotiable. With highs at 35°F and lows at 21°F, you’ll be stripping off a coat by noon and shivering by 5:00 PM.
- Watch the overnight freeze. Even on the sunny days (like Tuesday), that 25°F low means any melted snow from the afternoon will turn into "black ice" by morning.
- Check your tires now. Friday's snow chance might be low (20%), but in Spokane, it only takes an inch of the white stuff to turn Division Street into a skating rink.
The humidity is staying high, mostly in the 70% to 80% range, so keep that moisturizer handy. The air might be cold, but it’s still surprisingly harsh on the skin.
Keep your eyes on the sky for Tuesday’s sun—it might be the last clear blue you see for a while before the clouds settle back in for the transition into February.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Prep for Friday: Plan your mountain passes travel or heavy commuting before the snow chances increase on January 23.
- Tuesday Sun: If you need Vitamin D, Tuesday is your best window for outdoor activity with mostly sunny skies.
- De-Ice Early: Since overnight lows will consistently stay below freezing (21°F to 34°F), ensure your walkway salt is ready to prevent ice buildup from the afternoon melt.