Sunshine returning as summer closes

The last full day of summer today brings a contradiction typical of the weather this time of year – the change of season doesn’t chase away the sun that quickly. Clouds and showers are exiting the Inland Northwest today providing for mostly sunny skies and a high of 66 this afternoon in Spokane. But seasonal cooling will be felt in many locations tonight with lows dropping to about 40 in downtown Spokane and 44 in Coeur d’Alene. Frost is not likely, forecasters said. The statistical likelihood of frost is still nearly two weeks off. In Spokane, there is a 10 percent chance of frost by Sept. 19, a 50 percent chance of frost by Oct. 3 and a 90 percent chance of frost by Oct. 17. In Coeur d’Alene, those chances are just a few days later. Wednesday continues the trend toward more sun and fewer clouds and showers with a high of 66. Autumn arrives at 8:09 p.m. on Wednesday. A frontal system moves north of the region on Thursday bringing a chance of sprinkles and breezes. Then, higher air pressure builds into the region at the end of the week. Forecasters are calling for a pair of nice days with highs Friday in the upper 60s and Saturday in the upper 70s. Another weak system passes on Sunday, causing a 20 percent chance of showers, but temperatures remain pleasant with highs about 70. High pressure early next week could bring even more fair weather, forecasters said. At 7 a.m., it was 47 at Spokane International Airport, 51 at Felts Field, 45 at Deer Park and 48 in Pullman.