Look, if you’re living in the Inland Northwest, you already know the "Spokane Gray" isn't just a meme—it's a lifestyle. But as we crawl through the middle of January 2026, things are getting a little weird. People are checking their phones, seeing a 14 day weather forecast spokane and assuming it’s just going to be more of the same slushy mess.
Honestly? You’ve gotta look closer at the data. Right now, as of January 18, we’re sitting in a weird pocket of "mostly cloudy" stagnation. The temperature is hovering at 29°F with a humidity level of 88% that makes the air feel heavy and damp, even though the wind is barely a whisper from the north at 2 mph.
The immediate outlook for the Lilac City
If you’re planning your week, don't pack away the heavy parka just yet, but maybe keep the sunglasses in your car’s center console. Today, Sunday, January 18, is actually looking surprisingly decent. We’re expecting a high of 36°F and some actual sunshine.
Yeah, real sun. In January.
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It won't last, of course. By tonight, the clouds roll back in, and we drop to a low of 25°F. Tomorrow, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it’s basically a repeat of today's vibe: highs in the lower to mid 30s, morning clouds giving way to some afternoon sun, and those pesky areas of fog that love to settle in the valley.
Why the next two weeks feel like a roller coaster
Here is the thing about Spokane weather: it’s rarely consistent. We are currently under an Air Stagnation Advisory that’s set to run until Tuesday afternoon. Basically, the air isn't moving, which is why the fog is sticking around like an uninvited houseguest.
But check out what happens toward the end of the week.
- Mid-week (Jan 21-22): We stay in the mid-30s. It’s "mostly cloudy," which is meteorologist-speak for "you won't see the sun, but it’s not quite raining."
- The Shift (Jan 23): Friday is where it gets interesting. We’re looking at a 20-25% chance of snow moving in. Not a blizzard, but enough to make the Friday evening commute a bit of a headache.
- The Big Dip (Jan 24-25): Next weekend, the floor drops out. Temperatures are forecasted to plummet. We’re talking highs that might struggle to hit 19°F or 24°F by Sunday, with lows potentially sinking into the single digits or even negative territory depending on which model you trust.
Understanding the La Niña factor in 2026
You've probably heard the local weather folks talking about La Niña. This year, it’s a bit of a "weak" version, which makes the 14 day weather forecast spokane notoriously hard to nail down. Typical La Niña winters in eastern Washington are supposed to be colder and wetter, but 2026 has been playing by its own rules.
While the first half of January saw a mix of freezing rain and light snow, the current trend is actually slightly warmer than the historical average. We're seeing average highs around 33°F to 37°F, which is a few degrees above the usual "deep freeze" we expect this time of year.
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However, the National Weather Service and long-range models like the Almanac are signaling a shift. They’re pointing toward a "snowy and very cold" period starting in late January and hitting hard in early February. Basically, if you were enjoying the mild mid-30s, enjoy them now. The bill is coming due.
What this means for your daily life
Weather isn't just numbers on a screen; it's whether or not you have to scrape your windshield at 7:00 AM.
Right now, the humidity is staying high—near 100% at times during the night. When you combine that with the 25°F lows we're seeing, you get that nasty, thin layer of black ice on the side streets. Even if the main roads look clear, the neighborhood hills in the South Hill or the turns in North Spokane are going to be slick.
Also, keep an eye on that UV index. It’s sitting at a 1 right now. Even when it’s sunny, it’s not doing much, but the lack of light can really start to wear on you this far into winter.
Actionable insights for the next 14 days
Don't just stare at the forecast; prepare for the swing.
First, treat the Air Stagnation Advisory seriously if you have respiratory issues. The air is literally sitting still, trapping pollutants and wood smoke in the valley.
Second, if you have outdoor projects or need to travel across the passes, Tuesday and Wednesday (Jan 20-21) are your best windows. The wind will stay light—around 2 to 3 mph—and the precipitation chances are at a minimum.
Third, get the snow blower ready for the 23rd and 24th. Even if it's just a couple of inches, the drop in temperature immediately following the snow means whatever falls is going to freeze solid and stay there for a week.
Essentially, the Spokane weather forecast is telling us to stay vigilant. We’re in the "calm before the cold" right now. The mid-30s are a gift, but the single-digit lows lurking in the 14-day window are the reality of Inland Northwest winters. Keep your tank at least half full, check your tire pressure as the temps drop, and maybe buy some extra coffee. You're going to need it when that late-January chill finally arrives.