Snow stuck in Montana on Sunday – when will it reach the Inland Northwest?

Spokane will likely see snowflakes later this week, but don’t expect it to stick around.

With high temperatures forecast in the mid- to low-40s this week, Spokane will likely have an early first snow this year, said Andy Brown, meteorologist from the National Weather Service in Spokane.

There are a couple of chances later this upcoming week to see our first snowflakes Brown said.

Portions of western Montana remained in a Winter Weather Advisory through Sunday afternoon, with snow accumulation totals of between 1 and 5 inches in the forecast through Sunday evening.

While Spokane is expected to still see an earlier snowfall than average this year, it won’t be as significant as the early October storm last year that knocked out power, blocked streets and closed schools.

On average, Spokane sees its first snowfall on Oct. 27, but the first measurable snow of one tenth of an inch or more is seen by Nov. 14.

The first inch of snow falls on Nov. 19, on average.

Brown said that with temperatures lower than the average mid-50s for this time of year, it’s possible there will be some light snow accumulation on Saturday.

“The forecast, especially next Friday and Saturday, the high temperature is only going to be about 40,” Brown said. “It’s much below normal, and it should continue below normal temperatures through Oct. 28-29.”

Even with an earlier than normal snowfall, it’s unlikely Spokane will see snow sticking around, Brown said.

“We are ahead of what normally would be for our average first time we see snow because we’re cooler than normal for this time of year,” Brown said. “Since the high temperature is going to be 40 degrees it’s likely not going to stick.”

Despite a cold forecast this week, Brown said weather heading into Halloween will warm up a bit. Daytime highs will be back to average with temperatures in the mid-50s.