Warm weekend weather could include bit of rain

Temperatures will stay slightly above what’s considered normal for this time of year through the weekend, but look out for a slight chance of rain.

The Inland Northwest and the Idaho Panhandle won’t get the drenching expected in Central Washington. The National Weather Service expects steady rain there that could amount to up to an inch total, and could wreak more havoc with fire-scarred hillsides.

The outlook in the Spokane and Coeur d’Alene areas is for a 20 percent to 30 percent chance of rain, with partly sunny conditions. Daytime highs will be pleasant, in the lower to mid-70s. Look for overnight temperatures in the high 40s to low 50s, through Sunday.

The chance of showers is slightly higher in Pullman – 30 percent to 40 percent – and higher still for the Orofino and Grangeville areas, approaching 50 percent Friday night and into Saturday.

Starting Monday, temperatures will drop to the mid- or upper 60s during the day. Nighttime temperatures will fall to the upper 30s or lower 40s.

It’s looking like Eastern Washington and North Idaho are in for a fall that’s both drier and warmer than normal, the weather service says.