Weekend weather: Temperatures will soar after storm systems move on

Spring is going to turn to summer as this week’s moist and cloudy weather gives way to the year’s first heat wave.

A strong ridge of higher air pressure is expected to move on shore from the eastern Pacific Ocean. Its arrival will start out pleasantly warm, but the weather will turn hot enough to be uncomfortable for many people by Sunday and Monday.

Highs go from the middle 70s today with some clouds to sunny skies in the low 80s on Friday, upper 80s on Saturday and then the lower to middle 90s on Sunday and Monday.

Highs should peak on Monday and the chance of showers could return after that.

The high in Spokane on Monday could be as hot as 95 degrees.

Coeur d’Alene temperatures should be a few degrees lower than those in Spokane, staying in the 80s through the weekend but spiking to 93 on Monday.

Elsewhere in the region, Sandpoint will see similar weather, although there is a lingering chance of a thunderstorm today. Highs will be in the 80s through the weekend, but 91 is possible on Monday.

The mountains should warm nicely as well with highs reaching the lower 70s at the highest elevations and lows holding in the lower 50s.

As you move west, things really heat up. The Lake Roosevelt recreation area will get to 91 on Saturday, 97 on Sunday and 99 on Monday.