Honestly, looking at the spokane weather 14 day outlook right now is a bit like reading a suspense novel. We have been stuck in this weird, quiet "January Thaw" for a minute, but the vibe is about to shift. If you've been enjoying those mid-30s and just dealing with the gray, you might want to find your heavy-duty scraper.
Right now, Spokane is under an air stagnation advisory. Basically, a big ridge of high pressure is sitting over us like a heavy lid, trapping all that valley fog and low-hanging stratus. It’s pretty, sure, if you like that moody Pacific Northwest aesthetic, but it means the air isn't moving.
The Near Forecast: Fog, Frost, and "Meh"
For the next few days, don't expect much drama. We're looking at highs hanging around 35°F to 36°F through the weekend. Saturday and Sunday (January 17-18) are sticking to the script with mostly cloudy skies and those classic freezing fog patches that make the morning commute through the South Hill a literal game of "where is the road?"
The National Weather Service in Spokane has been keeping a close eye on this "persistent ridge." It’s keeping things stable, but it’s also keeping us in the dark—literally. We might see a tiny peek of sun on Sunday, but don't hold your breath.
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Day-by-Day Sneak Peek
- Saturday, Jan 17: High of 35°F. Mostly cloudy. Wind is basically non-existent at 2 mph.
- Sunday, Jan 18: A little warmer at 36°F. Maybe some sun if the fog breaks.
- Monday, Jan 19: Temperatures dip back to 32°F. It'll be cloudy and humid (92% humidity—yuck).
The Big Shift: Arctic Air is Knocking
Here is where the spokane weather 14 day forecast gets interesting. By Tuesday and Wednesday (January 20-21), that ridge starts to break down. When that happens, the "atmospheric lid" comes off.
We are seeing a strong North-to-South flow pattern starting to develop. What does that mean for you? It means cold Arctic air is finally looking to push into the Inland Northwest. We’ve been spoiled with a warmer-than-normal January so far—in fact, early January was trending about 14 degrees warmer than last year. But nature is about to balance the books.
Will It Snow?
This is the million-dollar question. The ensembles (that's just weather-speak for "a bunch of computer models") are hinting at a series of "shortwaves."
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Starting around Thursday, January 22, we are looking at a 25% chance of snow showers overnight. It’s not a blizzard, but it’s the start of a trend. By the time we hit next weekend (January 24-25), the highs are expected to drop into the mid-to-low 20s.
- Jan 24: High of 25°F. Light snow is likely.
- Jan 27: We might see a bigger jump in precipitation with a 75% chance of snow showers.
It’s worth noting that while the lowlands (us in the city) might just get a dusting or a few inches, the mountains are looking at much more significant accumulation. If you’re a skier at Mt. Spokane or 49 Degrees North, this is the news you’ve been waiting for.
Understanding the "La Niña" Factor
We are currently in a transition period. There is about a 61% chance we move from La Niña to "ENSO-neutral" conditions between now and March. Typically, La Niña winters in Spokane are colder and wetter, but they've become wildly variable lately. This 14-day window is a perfect example of that variability—starting warm and stagnant, then flipping to a cold, unsettled Arctic pattern.
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Practical Tips for the Next Two Weeks
Since we are moving from "stagnant fog" to "freezing Arctic air," you need to pivot your routine.
First, check your windshield wiper fluid. That freezing fog we’re seeing through Tuesday creates a nasty film on glass that regular water won't touch. Second, if you have sensitive plants that you haven't fully protected because of the mild start to the month, do it before Wednesday. Those overnight lows of 19°F or 21°F coming next week are no joke.
Lastly, keep an eye on the "Air Stagnation Advisory." If you have respiratory issues, the air quality can get a bit sketchy when that high pressure locks everything in. Once the wind picks up toward the end of next week, the air will clear up, but the temperature will bite.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Clear any lingering debris from your gutters before the snow/rain mix hits on Jan 27 to avoid ice dams.
- Replace the batteries in your emergency car kit; cold snaps are notorious for killing older batteries and handheld flashlights.
- Plan your mountain trips for the Jan 23-25 window to catch the fresh powder from the incoming Arctic waves.