SPOKANE, Wash. — Unseasonably cold temperatures, plenty of snow and wind have pervaded the Inland Northwest in spite of spring being well underway. It leaves many wondering when will we finally see more standard spring weather.
We saw some initial signs that we're moving in the right direction over the weekend and this week is bringing about the best opportunity for change.
The start of astronomical spring was March 19. With March in the rear view mirror, let's take a look at how we finished the month.
Not only did Spokane nearly double the average monthly snowfall with a total of 6.4 inches — but it also ended with below-normal average afternoon high and low temperatures. To make matters worse, the first couple days of April have already seen trace amounts of snow in Spokane and below average temperatures by 10-15 degrees.
But there could be a glimmer of hope to look forward to. According to forecast models, temperatures are expected to rise dramatically into the first full week of April. By about Wednesday, forecast high temperatures rise into the low 60s, while trading snow for partly cloudy conditions.
Friday will be the warmest day this week, with Spokane looking at a high temperature of around 68 degrees. The normal Inland Northwest warm spots should easily be in the low 70s, with central and southern Washington pushing into the mid to upper 70s.
Normally, a high of about 54 degrees would be expected in Spokane.
A cold front dips through Friday night and into Saturday, so there's a chance for showers on Saturday morning. Otherwise, the forecast looks dry for the weekend.
NOAA's three-month seasonal outlook also favors above-normal temperatures for the spring season.
But it isn't all great. Unfortunately, a more direct April forecast does not suggest the same. It favors below-normal temperatures and about normal precipitation.
This hints at the continuation of a slow start to spring weather. We may see a colder than normal April, but May and June could hold above-normal temperatures.
Regardless, snow showers are expected to be few and far between. Snow totals in Spokane for the month of April are usually close to an inch.
With trace amounts so far, it would not be out of the ordinary to pick up on a few inches, but its just as equally likely to see no more snow through the season.
Now, keep in mind that spring will still include breezy winds at times and a decent amount of rain. Summer is of course still several months away.