You’ve probably looked out the window this morning and seen that thick, milky soup hanging over the South Hill or blanketing the downtown skyline. It’s that classic Inland Northwest winter vibe. Honestly, if you’re tracking the spokane washington weather 10 day forecast right now, you aren't just looking for a temperature—you’re looking for an escape from the "gray."
January in Spokane is weird. It’s a mix of stagnant air and sudden arctic punches. Currently, we’re sitting at a crisp 32°F with a humidity level of 85% that makes the air feel way heavier than it actually is. It’s mostly cloudy, and that southeast wind is barely moving at 2 mph. Basically, the air is just sitting there.
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The Stagnation Struggle and What’s Coming
Right now, we are under an Air Stagnation Advisory. It’s scheduled to stick around until at least Tuesday, January 20th. This happens because a strong ridge of high pressure is parked off the coast, acting like a lid on a pot. All the woodsmoke, car exhaust, and moisture get trapped down here in the valley while the mountain tops actually get the sunshine.
If you’re planning your week, here is the raw data you need to know:
- Saturday (Today): We might see a high of 35°F. It’s mostly sunny in spots, but don’t let that fool you—the low drops to 28°F tonight.
- Sunday: A bit warmer at 37°F. Sunny skies are promised, but with that 2 mph northwest wind, the fog might still play games with your morning commute.
- MLK Day (Monday): Mostly sunny with a high of 35°F. It’s a great day to hit the Numerica Skate Ribbon before the pattern shifts.
But here is where things get interesting for the spokane washington weather 10 day outlook. By the time we hit the middle of next week, that ridge starts to crumble.
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When the Snow Returns
We’ve had it pretty easy so far this January, but the ensembles—those fancy weather models meteorologists obsess over—are starting to show a "North to South" flow pattern. That’s code for: Arctic air is looking for a way in.
Starting Wednesday, January 21st, the clouds thicken up. We’re looking at highs around 35°F and lows consistently hitting 26°F. By Thursday night, the chance of snow jumps from a measly 10% up to 25%.
Friday, January 23rd looks like the pivot point. We’re expecting snow showers with a high of 34°F, but then the bottom drops out. The low hits 18°F. If you’ve been putting off buying salt for your driveway, Friday morning is your last "comfortable" chance to grab it.
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By Saturday, January 24th, it’s a different world. The high is only 27°F, the wind kicks up to 11 mph from the northeast (hello, wind chill), and snow showers are much more likely. That cold air is going to linger through Monday, January 26th, with lows staying in the teens and low twenties.
Why Does This Keep Happening?
We’re currently in a weak La Niña cycle. Usually, that means the Pacific Northwest gets hammered with snow and cold. But this year, it’s been a bit of a "split story." While the mountains like Mt. Spokane are doing okay, the city has been stuck in this cycle of freezing fog and inversions.
Historically, January is our wettest month, but it often comes in the form of "winter mix"—that annoying slush that isn't quite snow and isn't quite rain. We’re seeing about 13.9mm of precipitation so far this month, which is pretty standard for the "dry but breezy" climate we’ve had lately.
Surviving the Spokane Gray
If the spokane washington weather 10 day forecast has you feeling a little claustrophobic from the clouds, you've gotta get proactive. Honestly, the best move is to head up.
When it's 32°F and foggy in the city, it’s often 40°F and brilliant blue skies at the top of Mt. Spokane or 49 Degrees North. It’s called a temperature inversion. The cold air is denser, so it sinks into the Spokane River valley, while the warmer air sits on top.
If you're staying in town, keep an eye on that Air Stagnation Advisory. If you have asthma or sensitive lungs, the air quality can take a dip when the wind isn't blowing. Those 2 mph winds we’re seeing through Tuesday aren't enough to "scour out" the valley.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your tires now: The transition from the 37°F "warmth" on Sunday to the 18°F freeze on Friday is going to turn any standing water into black ice.
- Plan outdoor work for Sunday/Monday: These will be the last "dry" days before the snow showers become a daily occurrence starting Friday.
- Watch the wind: Saturday the 24th will feel significantly colder than the thermometer says because of that 11 mph northeast gust. Make sure your outdoor faucets are still covered.
Spokane weather is a game of patience. We endure the gray because we know that eventually, the ridge breaks, the snow falls, and we get back to the winter wonderland we actually signed up for. Keep the boots ready; you're going to need them by next weekend.