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

Wednesday’s rain set record in Spokane, but no flooding observed

Rainfall on Wednesday broke records more than a century old in Spokane, Lewiston and Pullman.

Rainfall at the Spokane International Airport was measured at 1.4 inches, breaking the old record for the day of 1.19 inches set in 1912, according to the National Weather Service.

At the Lewiston-Nez Perce County Airport 0.96 inches of rain fell on Wednesday, breaking the old record of 0.92 inches in 1912.

At the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport, 1.25 inches of rain fell Wednesday breaking the record of 0.98 inches, also set in 1912.

“Apparently 1912 was a very wet day in most locations,” said Laurie Nisbet, National Weather Service Spokane Meteorologist.

With all the rain, a flood watch was issued for much of Eastern Washington on Monday. But flooding in the Spokane area has not been an issue.

“There has been no problems that I’m aware of around the Spokane area,” Nisbet said.

Monitors in creeks and rivers in the Spokane area showed rising waters, but none were close to flooding, according to the weather service.

So far, only the Okanogan River at Tonasket is predicted to hit flood level in Eastern Washington. Next week it is expected to enter a minor flooding stage before receding.

The rivers are reacting to Wednesday’s rainfall and most will peak today before coming down over the weekend, Nisbet said.

Rain is forecast Friday, mostly through the morning with some afternoon showers, Nisbet said. “Because of that, it’s going to be pretty cool.”

The high is forecast for 57 degrees.

Temperatures are expected to rise over the weekend with a Saturday high of 64 and a Sunday high of 69 degrees.

“It does dry out for Saturday and Sunday,” Nisbet said.

There is a slight chance of showers Monday with high temperatures in the low 70s, Nisbet said.