The return of 70

COEUR d'ALENE — For the first time in more than six months, Coeur d'Alene enjoyed a 70-degree day Friday.

And enjoy it, people did.

Runners, bikers, skateboarders and walkers took to the great outdoors to soak in the sunshine responsible for the warmest day in the city since Oct. 19, when it was 71 degrees. Friends wearing shades sipped beers and chatted while they sat outside the Coeur d'Alene Eagles Club on Sherman Avenue.

"I can't find another year we've gone that long without a 70-degree day," said climatologist Cliff Harris.

He noted that just last week, the lows were in the 20s and the highs were in the 40s.

It hit 73 degrees Friday, following 69 on Thursday.

"This is a welcome change for most people," Harris said.

He said this is the start of a six-week cycle that should see warmer and drier conditions.

The record high in Coeur d'Alene for April 30 is 84 degrees in 1984, and that could fall Sunday.

"We're going to be close," Harris said.

The spring heatwave was caused by a high-pressure ridge that has settled over the area, and some southwesterly winds.

Harris said some people are already turning on their sprinklers, worried about the lack of rain.

"Lawns are drying up," he said.

He said it has rained 2.54 inches in April in Coeur d'Alene, which is above the normal of 1.77 inches.

Thunderstorms are possible Sunday night or Monday. Harris said the 70s should continue next week, but there will likely be rain, too.