Rain, snow showers advancing from Canada

Cool April weather is getting reinforced today and Tuesday with the advance of a northerly flow from Canada that could bring rain or even snow showers to the region. A cold low pressure area forming across the Pacific Northwest is being blamed for drawing cold continental air southward. Northerly winds in the morning on Tuesday could reach 20 mph with gusts to 35 near Coeur d’Alene and other locations in North Idaho. The snow level tonight could drop as low as 2,500 to 3,000 feet in elevation, which is generally above the level of Inland Northwest valleys. Spokane International Airport is at 2,370 feet and Coeur d’Alene is at 2,180 feet. Highs of 45 on Tuesday and 48 on Wednesday in Spokane are being forecast. Similar temperatures are expected elswhere in the region, forecasters said. Lows should stay just above freezing at night, in part because of cloud cover and the shorter nights this time of year. The normal high in Spokane is currently 61. Rain or snow showers remains in the forecast through Wednesday night. The chance of showers tonight is 30 percent and on Tuesday is 40 percent. Moderating temperatures are expected later in the week starting on Thursday. Highs go back to the 60s on Friday through Sunday, making for a potentially mild weekend, although clouds are likely, too. This morning at 7, temperatures were at 38 at Spokane International Airport, 39 at Couer d’Alene Airport, 36 at Sandpoint, 41 at Pullman and 39 at Deer Park.