Winds kicking up in N. Idaho today, Wednesday
Regional fires reduce air quality as smoke arrives
A pair of weak frontal systems in British Columbia are going to drag lower air pressure southward, setting the stage for increasing winds tonight and Wednesday, especially in North Idaho.
Northeast winds funneled down the Purcell Trench of North Idaho could gust to 34 mph in Coeur d’Alene and 29 mph in Post Falls on Wednesday. Spokane could see wind gusts to 20 mph on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the west winds are blowing smoke from the Taylor Bridge fire near Cle Elum over the area, reducing visibility and creating a moderate level of smoke particle pollution. The fire near Spokane Falls Community College on Monday is also contributing to the deteriorating air quality.
The National Weather Service said that cooler air associated with the frontal bands will prevent the possibility of extreme fire danger under red flag warnings.
Westerly winds will start today, increasing in strength as they shift to the north and then northeast.
High temperatures today are expected to hit the upper 80s and then fall to the lower to middle 80s on Wednesday.
More hot weather is on tap for the end of the week. Highs in Spokane should go from 90 on Thursday to 93 on Friday to 96 on Saturday.
A changing weather pattern over the weekend should draw humidity northward and a risk of strong thunderstorms. That situation pays watching as the weekend approaches, particularly for people planning to be outdoors where thunderstorms are expected.