Heat wave today could break records

Another August heat wave today should bring highs approaching record temperatures, along with heightened fire danger.

But a low-pressure area developing along the Pacific coast is expected to bring increased chances of thunderstorms and rain showers tonight through Sunday.

Highs today were forecast at 97 at the Spokane International Airport; 100 downtown; and 99 in Spokane Valley, Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene, with sun and light easterly winds.

The daily record highs for today’s date are 98 in Spokane, 97 in Coeur d’Alene, 99 in Pullman, 97 in Moses Lake and 103 in Lewiston.

In addition, the National Weather Service posted a red-flag warning for high fire danger today across northeast Washington, North Idaho and the upper Columbia Basin, where low humidity and high temperatures will make grass, brush and timber tinder dry.

Forecasters said the low-pressure system forming along the coast today should push inland starting tonight and could spread moisture from Tropical Storm Ignacio along the California coast. Rain showers could be substantial, forecasters said.

The chances of precipitation will run from 20 percent tonight to 50 percent Saturday and Sunday. Highs are expected in the upper 70s Saturday and lower 80s Sunday.