Spokane, Wash. – Critical fire weather conditions are expected across north-central Washington Monday and Tuesday, as the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for the Cascades and Methow Valley.
According to the National Weather Service in Spokane, the warning is in effect from noon Monday through 9 p.m. Tuesday for the East Slopes of the Central and Northern Cascades, the Methow Valley, and the Lake Chelan area. Afternoon highs below 4,000 feet will climb between 90 and 102 degrees with relative humidity as low as 13 percent.
The greatest fire danger comes from a mix of heat, dryness, and unstable air. While widespread thunderstorms are not expected, forecasters warn of a 5 to 10 percent chance of dry lightning Monday afternoon and up to a 25 percent chance Tuesday afternoon, mainly at higher elevations. Any lightning strikes could spark new wildfires, and gusty outflow winds may cause existing fires to spread rapidly.
Emergency officials urge residents and visitors to avoid outdoor burning, secure towing chains that may spark on pavement, and have an evacuation plan in place. Fire crews remain on high alert, and additional advisories may be issued if storm chances increase.
