Wind gusts more likely than showers today

The chance of showers has been reduced in today’s forecast, but gusty winds are likely by this afternoon from a mostly dry cold front expected to pass through the Inland Northwest. In Spokane, sustained winds of up to 16 mph and gusts to 28 mph are possible with isolated showers and a high near 76. The chance of showers is greater in North Idaho where Coeur d’Alene has a 30 percent chance today. The high there should reach 77 with wind gusts to 26 mph. Earlier, forecasters thought a low pressure area in northern California would send moist air northward and cause showers and thunderstorms, but this morning’s forecast is calling for a drier flow from the west to establish itself through today. Mild weather continues overnight with lows in the lower 50s, but Thursday appears destined to be the coolest day of the week with highs in the upper 60s and partly sunny skies. Lows drop back into the 40s Thursday night and Friday also will be mild at about 70 degrees. Warmer weather arrives for the weekend with Spokane highs going to 79 on Saturday, the lower 80s on Sunday and 85 by Independence Day. A weak and dry frontal system could bring showers to higher elevations of the central Idaho Panhandle Saturday night and Sunday, but other locations will remain dry and only see some clouds from the front. At 7 a.m., it was 60 at Spokane International Airport, 61 at Felts Field, 63 in Coeur d’Alene, 60 in Deer Park and 57 in Pullman.