Windy evening forecast as storm moves through
Freeze possible in Spokane Monday night after fair day
A hazardous weather outlook was in effect today for gusty winds this evening from the second of two storm systems to cross the Inland Northwest since Friday.
Rain was being forecast for this afternoon ahead of increasing winds this evening through Sunday morning.
A low-pressure system forming over the Cascades today was expected to draw a plume of moisture northward and bring light rainfall in the Spokane and Coeur d’Alene areas by this evening, forecasters said.
Heavier rain is expected in south-central and southeast Washington.
The National Weather Service said sustained winds from the north to northeast to 21 mph and gusts to 29 mph are possible in Spokane, with even stronger gusts in North Idaho tonight.
The strongest winds, with gusts to 55 mph, are expected in the mountains late today, creating a danger for backcountry users.
Snow levels are coming down to 4,000 feet today in North Idaho and Northeast Washington and then rising to 5,500 feet tonight. An inch or two was expected overnight Friday in the mountains.
On Friday, steady rain at daybreak moved across the region, dropping about 0.10 inches or less over several hours and breaking a dry spell that started Sept. 17 in Spokane.
Fair weather should return by Monday with highs near 61.
The colder and drier air being drawn southward by today’s storm should allow for freezing conditions on Monday night, when 29 is forecast in Spokane and even lower temperatures in outlying areas.
Until then, frost is not expected with lows in the upper 30s or lower 40s tonight and Sunday night.