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

Region should see snow by Saturday

Weather conditions are likely to be relatively calm today and Friday during a break between Pacific weather systems.

But the next weather system on Saturday should have enough cold air to ensure that precipitation falls as snow at lower elevations.

Spokane could see 1 to 2 inches of snow on Saturday, although forecasters said there is a possibility for more. Coeur d’Alene is expected to see 1 to 3 inches.

A hazardous weather outlook was posted for much of the Inland Northwest for snowfall on Saturday.

Before that on Thursday and Friday, mostly cloudy skies are expected, and some areas around Spokane may see patchy fog tonight and Friday morning.

Highs will be in the lower 30s with lows in the mid- to upper 20s through Saturday night.

Ski areas struggling to get good snow cover on their lower slopes should be happy. At least several more inches of snow are expected in the mountains of the region.

The heaviest mountain snow may already have fallen in the mountains near Lookout Pass and in the central Idaho Panhandle.

A winter storm warning has been in effect there until 10 a.m. today for 8 to 12 inches of snow above 4,000 feet, including Lookout Pass.

Mountain travel in that part of the region is likely to be difficult today as a result.

Heavy snow was also expected through today in the Blue Mountains of southeast Washington.

As the weekend winds down, so does the chance of snow. Spokane has a 70 percent chance of snow Saturday night dropping to a 30 percent chance on Sunday with clearing starting after nightfall Sunday.

A cold snap then moves over the region.

A northerly flow starting Sunday night should cause temperatures to drop into the single digits by Monday night with highs near 20 on Tuesday in Spokane.