Showers return, thunderstorms likely

After yesterday’s break in a wet week, showers have returned. By late afternoon, scattered thunderstorms and strong winds up to 29 mph are predicted. A flood watch has been issued for parts of Eastern Washington and the Idaho panhandle. Small creeks are most likely to flood. Precipitation amounts for today are estimated to reach up to an inch in some areas. Tonight the chance of showers decrease, and the low temperature will dip to 40 degrees. Today’s high should reach the low 60s in Spokane and Coeur d’Alene. Saturday’s weather will be mostly sunny, but more precipitation is expected Sunday and Monday as highs reach toward 70 degrees. The National Weather Service reports that temperatures this week have been 5 to 10 degrees below average.