WENATCHEE — The thermometer climbed to a record 68 degrees in Wenatchee on Monday as weather forecasters backed off an earlier warning for possible widespread flooding and mudslides across parts of North Central Washington.

The National Weather Service is still warning that minor flooding is possible — but not guaranteed — through Wednesday night.

“We’re backing off on the amounts of rain we thought would come,” said Joey Clevenger, a meteorologist for the Weather Service in Spokane.

Clouds cleared away for much of the day Monday, warming the city up to 68 degrees. The previous record-high for Oct. 29 was 64 set in 1965.

The highs are supposed to be in the 50s for the rest of the week. A flood watch is in effect for parts of Chelan, Douglas and Okanogan counties, calling for 2 inches or more of rain in the Cascades and Stehekin and an inch of rain in low-lying areas.

Burned areas in the Wenatchee area have a “good chance” of getting a half inch to an inch of rain, the agency is reporting.

The rain will increase the potential for mud slides and debris flows, especially in areas burned by wildfire this summer and fall.

Large rivers are not expected to flood, but smaller rivers, including Stehekin, Nason Creek and the White River, have a potential to flood, according to the Weather Service.

Heavier rain — up to 5 inches — is predicted for the western slopes of the Cascades and flooding is expected on several rivers.

Michelle McNiel: 664-7152

mcniel@wenatcheeworld.com