Sun keeps shining

Sunshine is going to keep the Inland Northwest warm over the next several days with highs in the 80s. National Weather Service forecasters said the string of sunny days should extend into the middle of next week. A system of higher air pressure has established itself along the Pacific coast, and should be strong enough to shunt low pressure storm systems to the north of the region. But the trailing edge of a cold front on Friday may cause winds to kick up to 10 to 20 mph in the Spokane area with gusts to near 30 mph. Lows through the weekend should be in the middle 50s. The weather will be a few degrees above the normal temperatures for mid-July of 83 for a high and 55 for a low in Spokane. On Wednesday, Spokane County officials issued a burning ban for all unauthorized open burning, including field burning and recreational fires. The ban does no affect use of barbecues, patio warmers or gas-fired cooking devices. The Washington Department of Natural Resources on Wednesday increased fire danger to high in Spokane, Lincoln and Okanogan counties and moderate in Pend Oreille, Stevens and Ferry counties. The warmest part of the year, based on average temperatures, comes during the latter part of July and the first part of August. Wednesday’s high was 77 at Spokane International Airport. At 7 a.m., it was 60 at the Spokane airport, 59 at Felts Field and in Coeur d’Alene, 55 at Deer Park and 61 at Pullman.