Clearing out for new year
<p>A semi-truck travels east Friday along Interstate-90 near Wolf Lodge Bay with a snow covered Mineral Ridge in the background.</p>
While no major storm systems are expected this weekend and into the New Year's holiday, travelers should still use caution, especially if there are snow flurries, wet roads or morning fog, as high temperatures are only expected to hover near the freezing mark.
Climatologist Cliff Harris said tonight and Sunday morning may bring another 2 inches of snow for the final white stuff of 2012.
New Year's Eve and New Year's Day will be mostly dry.
"Not much chance of any precipitation (Monday and Tuesday)," Harris said. "We could always get a small flurry this time of year."
The high on New Year's Eve is expected to be 30 and the low 22.
"Kind of blah, which is not bad," Harris said.
Motorists are warned to expect flurries and possibly slush on Fourth of July and Lookout passes in Idaho and on Snoqualmie Pass in Washington this weekend.
"The roads could still be slippery in spots, but they should be OK for the most part," Harris said.
For the latest information about highway and weather conditions, call 511 toll-free or (888)432-7623 from within Idaho or visit the state's website at 511.idaho.gov. In Washington, road reports are at www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter/ or by calling 511 in Washington.
Meanwhile, local gas prices have dipped below $3 at several Coeur d'Alene stations. It was as low as $2.92 at Fred Meyer on Thursday, according to AAA, but Coeur d'Alene's average on Friday was $3.04.
The average in Post Falls on Friday was $3.12, Idaho $3.08, the nation $3.28 and Washington state $3.35.
Idaho's average is down 15 cents in the past week.
"Idaho's prices ... have been slower to react to oil and gasoline futures prices on the market," said Dave Carlson, AAA spokesman. "That's good for the moment because oil prices are $5.50 higher than two weeks ago."
Have we bottomed out on gas prices?
"It's too soon to tell, but AAA does not expect rapid run-ups during the next few weeks despite significantly higher market prices for oil and gasoline futures," Carlson said. "Weak demand and stable supplies are helping consumers at the pump for now. Other factors, including the fiscal cliff and troubles in the Middle East, could have pronounced impacts on fuel prices."