Brrrr alert

COEUR d'ALENE - It's not quite beginning to look a lot like Christmas, but it's going to start to feel like it.

Local climatologist Cliff Harris said Friday that although temperatures will fall and precipitation is expected Sunday, the chances of it turning to snow are slim. Coeur d'Alene may see a few flakes Monday morning, but they will quickly melt away, he said.

"I don't think there will be any sticking snow," Harris said. "Not out of this one because it will be too warm."

Sunday's high will be about 50 with temperatures not sinking lower than about 38 degrees.

"Right now, I'm calling for at least 6-8 inches in the mountains for the skiers for Sunday and Monday," he said. "High pressure is moving in with much colder weather so the snows will stick above 3,500 feet."

Harris said following a wet Sunday, temperatures will dip as we head into the first real freeze of fall, which is arriving much later than usual.

"We need to prepare for colder weather. We've had it nice for a long time," Harris said. "Veterans Day is Tuesday and we're going to be very chilly."

Lows next week will be in the upper teens and lower 20s with highs in the lower 30s, but the sun will be shining. Harris said he is expecting a little snow between the 15th and the 21st and again around Thanksgiving and into December.

The climatologist said he will be putting on his snow tires Friday, but mainly to beat the rush.

"We could have a few flakes by the end of the system," he said. "Bring out the jackets because it's going to get cold."