Seattle, Washington – A dangerous combination of soaring temperatures, bone-dry air, and unstable atmospheric conditions could ignite critical fire activity across western Washington this weekend, especially in elevated areas along the Cascades and Olympics.
According to the National Weather Service in Seattle, a Fire Weather Watch is in effect from Saturday morning through Sunday evening for the west slopes of the North and Central Cascades above 1,500 feet. The East Olympic Mountains are also under a Fire Weather Watch Saturday only. Temperatures could reach up to 99°F in some higher-elevation Cascade zones, with relative humidity dropping as low as 13%—conditions that can fuel rapid fire spread.
Fire Weather Zone 661 (East Olympic Mountains) will face shorter-term fire danger from Saturday morning to Saturday evening, where temperatures may reach 88°F and humidity could fall to 25%. Meanwhile, Fire Weather Zones 658 and 659 (North and Central Cascades) will face a longer-duration threat through Sunday evening.
Unstable air could lead to unpredictable fire behavior, increasing the risk of flare-ups on existing fires or fast spread if new ignitions occur. Diminished air quality is also possible if fires begin or expand.
Officials urge hikers, campers, and residents in high-elevation zones to avoid open flames, fully extinguish campfires, and monitor local alerts. A Red Flag Warning may be issued if conditions worsen.
