Gas prices, temperatures low as roadwork lulls for Labor Day

Weather: Weather over the Labor Day weekend will be cooler than normal and much cooler than last weekend. Highs in the Spokane area are forecast to be around 70 degrees all weekend with a small chance of rain Monday afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service. The northern valleys and mountains could see even chillier temperatures, with overnight lows in the 30s, so be prepared if camping is on the schedule. A statewide burn ban has been lifted in areas west of the Cascades but is still in effect in Eastern Washington.

Gas prices: Drivers have likely noticed gas prices increasing steadily over the past two weeks and that is not expected to change this weekend, according to AAA. However, drivers are paying an average of 27 cents less per gallon than they did last year and this year’s Labor Day gas prices are on track to be the lowest since 2004, the automobile association said. On Friday, the national average for a gallon of gas was $2.22. Drivers in Washington, however, are paying $2.64 and Idaho drivers are paying $2.46.

Construction: Most road construction work will be on hiatus over the holiday weekend, including a bridge repair project on Interstate 90 near the Sprague Lake rest area. The freeway has been down to one lane in each direction in that area, but all lanes will open this weekend. However, the freeway will continue to be reduced to one eastbound lane for the Wahl Road bridge project near milepost 209. Delays should be expected.