Wind advisory posted for noon to 8 p.m.

The National Weather Service this morning posted a wind advisory for gusts to 50 mph across outlying parts of the Inland Northwest and up to 40 mph in Spokane Valley. The highest winds are likely in the upper Columbia Basin, northern Palouse region and West Plains of Spokane County. In the heart of Spokane, gusts are expected to reach 34 mph. This morning’s rain storm is accompanied by a cold front that will traverse the region by mid-day and draw in strong southwest winds behind it. Winds should ease off tonight. Higher air pressure returns to the region Friday and Saturday, bringing more sun and mild temperatures with highs in the 50s. Fog may form Friday night. The chance of showers returns on Sunday before another cold front passes through the area. By Monday, an arctic air mass plunges southward and will cause temperatures to drop below freezing at night and only into the low 40s for daytime highs on Tuesday and Wednesday. That may bring the first hard frost of the season to the urban area. Spokane International Airport had its first 32 degree reading on Sunday morning, but frost was kept at bay in the urban neighborhoods.