Rain keeps Inland Northwest cool

The first in a series of three rainstorms is crossing the region today, bringing cool temperatures with it. The 1 p.m. temperature at Spokane International Airport was 45 with a forecast high of 50. A tenth of an inch of rain had fallen by 1 p.m., and radar images show drying conditions moving toward the Spokane area from the west. The National Weather Service this afternoon said a combination of precipitation and warmer weather by this weekend could trigger high runoff on several rivers in the region by about April 21. The rivers include the St. Joe, Coeur d’Alene, Spokane, Grande Ronde and Yakima. Forecasters said the rain should change over to a shower pattern later today. Breezy winds are likely in the wake of the cold front. Tuesday is expected to be dry, but showers or rain will persist through the week. Forecasters are calling for additional storms on Wednesday and Friday, but a dry and warmer weekend. Highs Saturday and Sunday should be in the middle 60s under cloudy and partly sunny skies. High water is continuing on the region’s rivers. The Spokane River was flowing at 20,700 cubic feet per second, well below the flood stage that was nearly reached two weeks ago. The outlook for next week calls for near normal temperatures and above-normal precipitation.