Spokane, Washington – Intense heat, gusty winds, and dangerously dry air are putting Spokane and surrounding areas on high alert for wildfires through Wednesday evening. Residents in the Western and Eastern Columbia Basin—including the Palouse and Lower Snake River regions—should prepare for critical fire conditions as temperatures surge and winds ramp up.
According to the National Weather Service in Spokane, a Fire Weather Watch is in effect from Tuesday afternoon through 8 p.m. Wednesday. Forecasters warn of highs near 99°F on Tuesday and 91°F Wednesday, with wind gusts topping 25 mph in exposed areas. Humidity will plummet to just 10 to 15 percent Tuesday, making any new fires likely to spread rapidly. The fire danger is especially high from the East Slopes to the Palouse, and a dry cold front may trigger even stronger winds by Wednesday.
Travelers on Interstate 90 and Highway 2 should watch for blowing dust and reduced visibility, while local agencies urge everyone to avoid open flames, secure trailer chains, and keep cell phones charged in case of evacuations. Breezy evenings may down tree limbs or spark power outages, so residents should have an emergency plan in place.
This is the first widespread fire weather alert of July for Spokane. The Fire Weather Watch remains in effect through Wednesday night, with further advisories possible as conditions evolve.
Five Day Forecast:
Tuesday: Hot, high near 99°F. Winds SW 5–10 mph, gusts up to 23 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, low 65°F. Southwest winds 6–11 mph.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high 91°F. Winds SW 7–17 mph, gusts up to 28 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, high 86°F.
Friday: Sunny, high 92°F.
