Frost possible across Inland NW through Friday a.m.

National Weather Service forecasters said dry cold air moving across the region today and Thursday is going to create a risk of frost in many areas. That could spell trouble for gardens and landscapes where frost-sensitive plants are left exposed. Low temperatures in Spokane are forecast to reach 35 tonight and 33 on Thursday night. Coeur d’Alene will see similar temperatures. Frost is possible across a wide swath of North Idaho and Northeast Washington with portions of the upper Columbia Basin and Palouse region also at risk. Mountain valleys will have the highest chance of frost because cold air can pool at night below mountain slopes. Cold spots can also form randomly in lower-lying locations, including the Spokane, Spokane Valley and Coeur d’Alene areas. A pair of weak cold fronts is crossing the region, each bringing dry, cool air with it. Highs today are expected to reach the lower 60s and then upper 50s on Thursday before higher air pressure takes over and brings a warming trend through early next week. Temperatures will go from the middle 60s Friday to lower 70s Saturday to upper 70s on Sunday. Mother’s Day should bring great outdoor weather for activities and barbecues, forecasters said. Mostly sunny to sunny skies are predicted throughout the period. Gardeners who have set out frost-sensitive plants might want to bring them under cover or indoors, or place coverings over the tops of them.