Weekend weather: Heat heads east; showers likely for weekend

A low pressure system from the Gulf of Alaska is going to set up over the Inland Northwest through the weekend, bringing cooler temperatures, breezy winds and a likelihood of showers at different times.

The higher air pressure system that brought the record-breaking heat has moved off to the east, opening the door for an advancing low.

The weather change is likely to persist for the near future, according to the National Weather Service.

“Unsettled and spring-like conditions will continue into next week,” forecasters said on Wednesday.

The weather should start out on Thursday with pretty comfortable conditions.

Forecasters are calling for mostly sunny skies and highs in the mid-70s on Thursday.

However, there is a possibility of breezy conditions with southwest winds running from 8 to 13 mph in Spokane.

Gusty winds to 20 mph are likely in exposed locations such as the West Plains.

High temperatures are expected to drop by 5 degrees each day on Friday and Saturday, leaving the region’s highs in the mid-60s over the weekend.

Lows should be mild in the lower 50s, but dip by Saturday night to the middle and upper 40s.

The greatest chance of showers arrives on Friday night into Saturday before easing on Saturday night and Sunday.

Precipitation amounts should generally be light on Friday through Saturday. No thunderstorms are expected in valley areas.

There is only a slight chance of thunderstorms in the North Idaho mountains.

The mountains in the central Panhandle may see the most rain with about a quarter inch or more through the weekend.