SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane is finishing out 2021 with snow and the coldest weather of the year.
New Year's Eve weather will be the coldest of this arctic stretch. Lows by Saturday morning could be below zero with evening temperatures well into the single digits. With clearing skies and a fresh coat of snow from Thursday, this is the perfect recipe for temperatures to freefall after sunset.
The forecast temperatures at 9pm tonight in Spokane will be around 1 to 4 degrees. That's when Spokane's fireworks at Riverfront Park are slated for. Be sure to be extra careful if you and your family are planning on being outside at that time.
On Thursday, Winter Storm Warnings were issued for the Pullman and Lewiston areas through the day. Pullman got 6 inches of snow and Lewiston officially got 7.2 inches in addition to a public report in town of 13 inches of snow! Meanwhile, in Spokane another 2.6 inches of snow fell, most of it during the morning hours. At one point, Eastbound I-90 was closed near Highway 2 for several hours on Thursday for a jack-knifed semi amid the winter driving conditions.
The last time Spokane was below zero was on March 1, 2019. That day happened to be a record low as below-zero temperatures are very rare for that late into the winter.
High temperatures are only going to be in the teens for the rest of the week. This day-long cold weather is a bit more rare. The last time Spokane's high was as cold as 11 degrees was on Feb. 5, 2014 and you'd have to go back to 2010 to find the last date Spokane didn't even hit double digits.
During a stretch of weather like this, it's important to be prepared outside, inside and while traveling. Dress in multiple layers to stay warm while outside, particularly when the wind is strong and causes wind chills to drop. It's a good idea to keep an eye on your pets too, as some animals don't like the cold as much as others.
Inside, keep the warm air circulating throughout the home, especially where the plumbing is. This gives you the best chance for pipes to not freeze over. People should also check in with their elderly neighbors and family members to make sure they are comfortable and doing the same during this cold stretch of weather.
Drivers should have an emergency kit in their car while traveling, including blankets, water, phone changers, batteries and first aid.
WATCH MORE: How WSDOT is prepared for winter weather: