Arctic blast brings coldest weather of winter. More Tri-Cities snow possible

The coldest nights of the winter to date are forecast for this week in the Tri-Cities by the National Weather Service.

Arctic air moving into Eastern Washington will drop the low to 11 degrees Tuesday and Wednesday night in the Tri-Cities, says the weather service.

A light breeze both nights could drop the wind chill to a few degrees above 0.

The coldest nights of the winter so far have been Jan. 29 and 30, with lows of 13, according to weather service data.

Highs will drop from 32 forecast for Monday to 29 Tuesday through Thursday.

Normal highs in the Tri-Cities for the second week of February are about 48 and normal lows are about 28, according to weather service data.

Some warming is expected as snow returns later in the week in the Tri-Cities.

A 50% chance of snow is forecast Thursday night, dropping to 40% after dawn Friday.

A slight chance of rain or snow is forecast Saturday, with a high of 36.

Rain is likely Saturday night and Sunday, although precipitation could fall as snow at higher elevations near the Tri-Cities.

The snow level Saturday night is forecast at 1,300 feet. Much of the Tri-Cities is at 400 feet, rising to about 1,000 feet just south of Kennewick near the Interstate 82 and Highway 395 interchange. Badger Mountain has an elevation of almost 1,600 feet.

Cold weather help

All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Richland will open its nighttime warming shelter at 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday this week, closing the shelter the following mornings at 9 a.m.

The church is at 1322 Kimball Street and those seeking shelter should go behind the church to the Parish Hall door.

Donations are being sought for the church. Money donated online here will be used only for shelter expenses such as security and groceries.

The shelter also needs new underwear and warm clothing such as sweatshirts and sweatpants in all sizes for men and women.

Those seeking shelter in the daytime are welcome at Mid-Columbia Libraries in Pasco, Kennewick, West Richland, Benton City, Connell, Kahlotus and Basin City and the Richland Public Library.

Other locations include the Tri-City Union Gospel Mission’s men’s and women’s shelters in Pasco; the Pasco First Avenue Center at 505 N. First Ave.; Columbia Center mall in Kennewick; the Richland Community Center; and Becky’s Coffee Corner and Renz Farmers Insurance Agency, both in Prosser.

Call 211 for hours and locations.

Cold weather safety tips

The weather service has these recommendations:

▪ Fill your gas tank at least half way before driving so you can run the motor and stay warm if you are stranded.

▪ Bundle up in warm clothes even if you think you will be outside only briefly.

▪ Try to find a warm spot for your children while waiting outside for a school bus.

▪ Avoid being outside in the early morning when temperatures are at their lowest.

▪ Make sure livestock have plenty of food and water that is not frozen.

This story was originally published February 10, 2025 at 12:53 PM.