If you’ve stepped outside in the Lilac City lately, you know the vibe. It’s that classic Inland Northwest January mix—gray skies, a bit of a bite in the air, and that lingering question of whether we're actually going to get a real snow dump or just more of this "freezing fog" business. Honestly, looking at the extended weather forecast Spokane Washington, we’re in a weird middle ground right now.
Today is Sunday, January 18, 2026, and if you’re looking at the thermometer, it’s hovering right around 34°F. It’s sunny for the moment, which is a nice break, but don’t let that fool you. The humidity is sitting high at 73%, and with a light 2 mph breeze from the southwest, it feels exactly like the kind of day where the dampness just seeps into your bones.
What’s Happening Over the Next Week?
The short version? Consistency.
We aren't seeing those wild Arctic plunges that drop us into the negatives—at least not in the immediate ten-day window. Instead, Spokane is settling into a pattern of highs in the mid-30s and lows in the high 20s.
- Monday (MLK Day): Expect a high of 34°F and a low of 27°F. It’s going to be mostly cloudy with about a 20% chance of some light snow during the day.
- Tuesday: A bit of sun peeks back out with a high of 36°F. Still chilly at night, dropping back to 27°F.
- Mid-week (Wednesday/Thursday): We stay in that 34°F to 35°F range. Clouds are moving back in, so don't expect much blue sky.
Basically, it's perfect "layering" weather. You don't necessarily need the heavy-duty expedition parka if you're just running to get coffee, but you’ll definitely want a wind-resistant shell.
The La Niña Factor and the Polar Vortex
Wait, didn’t everyone say this was a La Niña year?
💡 You might also like: South Beach Miami Weather Forecast: Why January is Kinda Weird This Year
Yeah, they did. KREM’s chief meteorologist Jeremy LaGoo and others have been tracking this weak La Niña pattern all season. Usually, that means "colder and wetter," but this year has been a bit of a tease. While we saw some early snow in the mountains back in November and December, January has been relatively quiet for the city proper.
However, there’s a shift coming.
The Climate Prediction Center is signaling a return of the polar vortex lobes later this month. While the Midwest and East Coast are getting slammed first, the Inland Northwest usually feels the tail end of these shifts. By the time we hit the last week of January—around the 25th or 26th—we might see the temperatures start to climb slightly before a potential "winter punch" arrives.
Looking Toward the End of January
The extended weather forecast Spokane Washington shows a slight warming trend toward the end of the month, which is actually kind of a trap. On January 27 and 28, we might see highs hitting 42°F or 43°F.
That sounds great, right?
Not really. In Spokane, 40 degrees in January usually means "slop." We're looking at a 10% to 20% chance of rain and snow mixes during this period. When the ground is frozen but the air is 42 degrees, you get that lovely slush that turns into a skating rink the second the sun goes down and the temp hits 33°F.
Real Talk: Traveling and Living in It
If you’re planning a trip over Snoqualmie or Lookout Pass, keep a close eye on the window between January 21 and January 23. While the city stays relatively calm, regional patterns suggest a bit more "wildness" in the higher elevations.
- Check your tires: Seriously. Even if it’s 34°F in town, the shaded spots on I-90 are still icy.
- Fog is the real enemy: We’ve had several Air Stagnation Advisories lately. The freezing fog is often more dangerous for Spokane drivers than a couple of inches of fresh powder.
- The "Great Melt" isn't here yet: Don't let those 40-degree forecasts for late January trick you into thinking spring is early. We often get our biggest dumps in February.
Actionable Steps for the Next 10 Days
Stay prepared by keeping your car's washer fluid topped up—the road spray this week will be brutal with all the melting and refreezing. Since the UV index is bottoming out at 1, you don't need the sunscreen, but you might want to check your home's gutters. With temps hovering right at freezing, ice dams are a real risk if we get that predicted mix of rain and snow on the 25th.
Keep an eye on the northwest winds; even at 2-5 mph, they make that 34°F feel significantly sharper. If you're heading out to the Mt. Spokane or 49 Degrees North, the conditions are holding steady, but the "bluebird days" will be few and far between this week. Dress for gray, hope for sun, and keep the ice scraper handy.