Blowing dust likely with dry cold front today

A dry cold front crossing the Inland Northwest today is likely to kick up gusty winds and dust this afternoon through evening. Steady southwest winds of 23 to 29 mph in Spokane could produce gusts as high as 38 mph. Winds in Coeur d’Alene will not be as strong and blowing dust is not expected there. Gusts in Coeur d’Alene may reach 33 mph. A wind advisory is in effect for central Washington near Wenatchee and Ellensburg where gusts could reach 50 mph. Blowing dust could cause visibility problems along area highways east of Ellensburg. A red flag warning for heightened fire danger is in effect for south-central and southeast Washington. A low pressure system in southern Canada is bringing the dry cold front across the region today. Temperatures will drop from a high in the middle 80s today to around 80 on Saturday and Sunday in Spokane. A modest cooling trend is expected next week with temperatures falling to the 70s.