Gusty winds, cooler temps arriving today

A change in weather back to the cool side of spring is going to bring gusty winds and scattered showers and thunderstorms to the Inland Northwest. Southwest wind gusts could reach 40 mph in exposed locations, including the West Plains, Palouse and Columbia Basin. Spokane should see gusts peaking about 34 to 38 mph. Spokane International Airport this morning was already reporting wind gusts of 21 mph. The wind should increase by 11 a.m. to noon and continue until about 9 p.m. At the same time, snow levels in the mountains are going to drop. By Wednesday, snow pellets are possible in lower elevations. A chance of rain and snow showers is in the forecast for the rest of the week in Spokane and other valley locations, including Coeur d’Alene, which is more likely to see snow rather than rain showers. The chance of thunderstorms continues Wednesday as a cold low pressure area moves over the region and creates instability in the atmosphere.