Thunder in October?

While thunderstorms have been observed every month in the Inland Northwest, fall and winter thunderstorms are definitely in the rare category. But then again, temperatures near 80 on 9 October are also rare. (The record high for Spokane is 81 for this date, set back in 1934).

The European model has consistently been showing a batch of showers moving through eastern Washington on Friday morning. 




And the overall pattern does suggest the potential for a morning clap of thunder with these showers.  So don’t be surprised if you hear a rumble Friday morning. 

This is just the lead up to a wetter weekend. It’s not going to rain for 2 straight days. But there will be periods of rain over the weekend and into Monday. 

Here’s the Model Blend forecast of how much rain we might receive by Monday morning.  Around 1/4” in Spokane, with higher amounts to the north. 


Temperatures will be decidedly cooler. Daytime highs on Sunday and especially Monday might not warm out of the upper 40s. 

The weather should turn drier starting Tuesday but remain chilly with highs in the 50s and freezing at night. We may not see 70s again until next spring. 

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