Wind storm likely with cold front today

Wind gusts are expected to increase later today across the Inland Northwest as a Pacific storm sweeps a new round of rain showers and cool weather across the region. A hazardous weather outlook was issued for increasing winds later this afternoon as a cold front crosses the Columbia Basin and heads into Idaho. Gusts of 31 to 34 mph from the southwest are possible in the Spokane area later this afternoon and tonight with a high today in the upper 50s. Other exposed locations could see gusts to 45 mph. South winds were gusting to 20 mph at 10 a.m. in Spokane. Gusts could continue to 18 mph on Thursday under partly sunny skies and a chance of rain showers. The next shot of rain arrives Friday night into Saturday. Cooler weather over the weekend will see highs drop from the upper 50s today through Friday into the middle 40s on Sunday with a chance of rain or snow showers Saturday night and Sunday.