Unusual Warmth in the Northwest: Records Broken in Lewiston and Pullman

The Northwest is experiencing some strange weather this week.

Record-Breaking Temperatures

• Lewiston: Reached a surprisingly warm 65 degrees on Wednesday, breaking the old record of 62 degrees set in 1968.
• Pullman: Hit a record high of 59 degrees, surpassing the previous record of 57 degrees from 1939.
• Grangeville: Reached 57 degrees, unusually warm for this time of year.

What's Causing the Warm Spell?

Meteorologists attribute the warmth to an atmospheric river, bringing warm, wet air from near the equator to the East Side of the Cascades. This warm air acts like a blanket, keeping temperatures high and preventing nighttime drops.

• Snow Level: Currently around 8,000 feet, much higher than usual.
• Forecast: The warm and wet weather is expected to persist until the end of the year.

Why It Matters

While the warmth may feel pleasant, it's not normal for December. This serves as a reminder of how weather patterns can change and the importance of paying attention to these shifts. It's also a good time to consider how these changes might affect the environment and our daily lives.