Wenatchee, Wash. – Wildfire risk will peak Tuesday afternoon in parts of central Washington as hot, dry, and windy conditions trigger a Red Flag Warning from 3 to 9 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Spokane, the warning covers the eastern slopes of the Cascades in Chelan County and the Waterville Plateau in Douglas County. Temperatures are expected to climb into the 80s and 90s, with humidity dropping as low as 10%. Northwest winds could gust up to 30 mph — creating the perfect setup for fast-moving wildfires.
The most vulnerable areas include U.S. Route 2 near Waterville and highways through the Wenatchee Valley, where dry grass and brush remain highly flammable. Fire crews across the region are on alert, and residents are urged to avoid open flames, secure trailer chains, and refrain from outdoor burning.
Tuesday’s conditions mirror other high-risk fire weather events seen in early June over recent years — a reminder that wildfire season is arriving early.
This Red Flag Warning is expected to expire by 9 p.m. Tuesday, but officials warn that similar alerts could return later this week if dry and breezy weather continues.
