Mild morning to give way to clouds

The first half of today will show signs of spring, but an approaching storm system should bring increasing clouds this afternoon and a chance of showers late tonight. National Weather Service forecasters said a plume of mild air has moved out ahead of the incoming storm and could allow temperatures to reach the lower 60s in Spokane and Coeur d’Alene today. Gusty south winds to about 13 mph will signal the approaching storm. The chance of precipitation tonight is 60 percent after 11 p.m., dropping to 20 percent on Wednesday. A low tonight of 36 is expected. Winds from the southwest could increase to 21 mph on Wednesday. Improving weather is coming on Wednesday night through Sunday, although a northerly flow just to the east of the Inland Northwest should keep the weather dry and bit on the cool side at night with some windy periods. Highs for the rest of the week should hit the lower 50s with lows in the 20s. Highs could approach 60 by Sunday. At 7 a.m., it was 37 at Spokane International Airport, 34 in downtown Spokane and Coeur d’Alene, 35 in Deer Park and 40 in Pullman.