Wind chill warning in effect for Inland NW

The National Weather Service has issued a wind chill warning for tonight and early Saturday. Lows ranging from 5 to 12 degrees will feel much colder on the skin with northeast winds gusting to 30 mph. In Spokane, forecasters are calling for a potential wind chill of minus-14. In Coeur d’Alene, the wind chill could be as cold as minus-20. The wind chill warning is in effect from 10 p.m. until 10 a.m. Saturday. Under those conditions, frostbite on exposed skin could occur in as little as 30 minutes, forecasters said. They warned people to take precautions against the cold. Local authorities are advising the public to be careful of frozen water pipes. Animals kept outdoors will need frequent fresh water and shelter from the wind. In addition, homes should be equipped with emergency supplies. A low pressure area moving through Oregon today is going to create conditions favorable to increasing winds and a renewed shot of arctic air over the region. In Spokane, today’s high will only reach 15 degrees with a low tonight of 3 degrees. Wind gusts today could reach 21 mph, increasing to 24 mph tonight. Saturday’s high of 12 degrees will feel like minus-13 with northeast winds of 8 to 13 mph. The wind is expected to ease by Saturday night. The cold moderates a bit by Monday, but a chance of snow enters the forecast. The greatest likelihood of snow comes Wednesday through Friday.