April showers likely today

Rain showers are possible today as a Pacific storm system spreads bands of moisture northward from California. National Weather Service forecasters are calling for a 40 percent chance of showers through this evening. Temperatures were upgraded in the forecast from the upper 40s to upper 50s as a result of the mild southerly flow over the region. East winds earlier today have diminished. Lows tonight should fall to the middle 30s. The showery and cloudy pattern is expected to continue through much of the week with a 50 percent chance of showers tonight and a 40 percent chance on Tuesday. Despite the showers, there appears to be a significant shift in the weather this week away from the wintry feel of past several weeks toward a milder spring pattern. Temperatures are going to move into the 50s on Tuesday and Wednesday and then to the 60s by Thursday and Friday, although the chance of showers is possible each day except Wednesday. Lows should be in the middle 30s through the week. Normal temperatures for this time of year are 56 for highs and 36 for lows. A southerly flow this morning brought mild temperatures at daybreak. At 7 a.m., it was 43 at Spokane International Airport, 47 in downtown Spokane, 41 in Coeur d’Alene, 43 in Deer Park and 50 in Pullman.