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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Frost nips at new spring growth

Damage possible to sensitive plants and flowers

A blanket of frost covered much of the Inland Northwest this morning as temperatures dropped below freezing during the pre-dawn hours. Low temperatures were mostly in the low 30s, and the calm air allowed frost to form on lawns and plants. Damage to cold-sensitive plants and flowers was possible. Lawns and many early plants can withstand short periods of freezing weather. Spokane International Airport had a 30-degree reading at 6 a.m. after reporting a temperature of 32 degrees in the hours before dawn. Temperatures quickly rebounded once the sun came up with 33 degrees reported at 7 a.m. and 34 in Coeur d’Alene. National Weather Service forecasters said they expect another chance of frost tonight with a low in Spokane of 32. Coeur d’Alene should see a low of 33. Spokesman-Review reader Ashley Steinhart reported that sprinklers left on in Corbin Park on the North Side of Spokane this morning created a sheen of ice on the lawn and trees, including flowering crabapples. Clear skies this morning should give way to more clouds and a 30 to 40 percent chance of showers after 11 a.m. Cold air flowing from the north should allow snow levels to drop to about 2,600 feet tonight, but the chance of showers then is only 20 to 30 percent in Spokane and Coeur d’Alene. High temperatures today and Thursday should be in the low 50s. Warmer temperatures are foreseen through the end of the week with temperatures returning to near normal on Saturday and Sunday with highs in the lower 60s and a slight chance of showers both days. Friday should be mostly cloudy with a high in the upper 50s. The risk of frost goes away by Thursday night for most locations with lows through the weekend expected to be in the upper 30s to lower 40s.