Brace yourself: First extended cold snap coming to region

The area’s first extended cold snap and a sprinkling of snow at higher elevations are forecast this week.

Temperatures are predicted to plummet to as low as 25 degrees in Lewiston on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights.

Elsewhere, it’s anticipated to be even chillier. A low of 15 degrees is expected in Pullman on Wednesday. The thermometer could drop to 18 degrees in Orofino and 14 degrees in Grangeville on Thursday.

Isolated places in valleys could see single-digit temperatures and wind chills near zero with light winds of less than 10 mph, said a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Spokane.

North central Idaho and southeastern Washington are expected to escape heavier snowfalls anticipated for surrounding cities such as Spokane and Wenatchee, she said. 

Weather service officials are advising people to make preparations for the cold.

Area residents should make sure their irrigation systems are shut down for the season. Livestock owners should monitor their animals more frequently to be sure they are handling the cold temperatures.