Dry and Gusty Winds Today Contribute to Red Flag Warning

Information released by National Weather Service

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for gusty winds and low relative humidity which contribute to Critical Fire Weather Conditions. The warning is in effect from 2 – 8 p.m. today. The full NWS release is presented below and additional information can be found on the NWS website.

Gusty winds will persist through this evening. Conditions will rapidly dry out, with afternoon humidities dropping into the teens and twenties. The combination of gusty winds and low relative humidity will bring Critical Fire Weather Conditions.

The National Weather Service in Spokane has issued a Red Flag Warning for winds and low relative humidity, which is in effect from 2pm this afternoon to 8pm PDT this evening.

* Affected Area:

  • Fire Weather Zone 674 East Washington Palouse and Spokane area (zone 674) and
  • Fire Weather Zone 677 East Washington
  • Central Cascade Valleys (zone 677)

* winds: West 15 to 20 MPH with Gusts 30 to 35 MPH. Local winds around the Wenatchee and Entiat Areas Northwest 20 to 30 MPH with Gusts 40 to 45 MPH.

* Relative Humidities: 16 to 25 Percent.

* Impacts: Gusty winds and Low Relative Humidities will Promote Rapid Fire Spread of Existing Fires and Any New Fire Starts.

A Red Flag Warning Means That Critical Fire Weather Conditions are Either Occurring Now….or will Shortly. a Combination Of Strong winds…low Relative Humidity…and Warm Temperatures Can Contribute to Extreme Fire Behavior.

For more information, visit the NWS website