Eastern Washington Weather: Storm Risk Ends Saturday, Heat Builds Into Next Week

SPOKANE, Wash. — Residents of eastern Washington woke up to showers and thunderstorms early Saturday morning, but forecasters say unsettled skies will give way to a stretch of dry and increasingly hot weather. The National Weather Service placed the storm chance at 60% overnight, warning that heavier downpours and lightning were possible before activity tapers off into the afternoon.

Saturday’s Stormy Start

The system pushed into Spokane County and surrounding areas before dawn, delivering scattered downpours that briefly reduced visibility on major routes, including Interstate 90. Winds gusted up to 21 mph, and although most rainfall totals were light, stronger storms created slick roads and delays for early drivers.

Meteorologists noted that storms should fade by late morning, leaving behind breezy conditions as the atmosphere stabilizes. Showers may linger a little longer in valleys and along the foothills, but no widespread flooding is expected.

Drying Out and Warming Up

By Sunday, skies turn clear with highs near 84°F, a welcome shift for outdoor events and late-summer recreation. According to the Country Herald Weather, a broad ridge of high pressure will build across the Pacific Northwest, locking in a warming trend that lasts well into next week.

Daytime highs will climb steadily:

• Monday–Wednesday: Mostly sunny, highs between 86–90°F.
• Late Week: Temperatures likely reaching the low 90s, the hottest stretch Spokane has seen in weeks.
• Overnight Lows: Mid to upper 50s, offering some overnight relief from daytime heat.

Community Impact

The brief storms created early travel concerns Saturday. Officials urged caution for drivers, especially along I-90 and secondary rural roads, where wet pavement and gusty winds raised the risk of accidents. The unsettled morning also delayed some farmers’ markets and outdoor youth sports events, though organizers welcomed the promise of clear skies by afternoon.

Looking ahead, the bigger concern is heat. Prolonged warm spells can strain local agriculture, particularly irrigated crops in eastern Washington that depend on efficient water use. With rainfall expected to stay scarce after Saturday, farmers are preparing irrigation systems for another extended dry stretch.

Meanwhile, public health officials in Spokane are reminding residents to take heat safety seriously. “When temperatures climb into the 90s, heat exhaustion can sneak up on you,” the Spokane Regional Health District said in a Friday advisory. Hydration, shaded rest, and limiting strenuous outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours are all recommended.

Five-Day Forecast for Spokane

• Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely before noon. Breezy with gusts up to 21 mph. High near 80°F.
• Sunday: Sunny, high near 84°F. Low around 56°F.
• Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 86°F. Low near 58°F.
• Tuesday: Sunny, high near 90°F. Low near 59°F.
• Wednesday: Sunny, high near 87°F. Low near 56°F.

Did Saturday’s storms impact your plans in Spokane? How are you preparing for next week’s heat? Share your thoughts in the comments on SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.