NWS issues red flag warning over hazardous fire weather
Gusty winds, low humidity increase threat in Central WA.
SPOKANE — The National Weather Service has issued red flag warnings for potentially hazardous weather conditions which could increase fire danger later today and Wednesday, July 7-8, in the Columbia Basin, Waterville Plateau, and Okanogan Valley.
Temperatures are expected to be in the 90s this afternoon in the Ephrata area, followed by a cooler dry front with gusty winds from the southwest arriving this evening and expanding across eastern Washington on Wednesday.
Dry conditions with low humidity and winds gusting between 25 and 35 mph could cause rapid fire spread with any new or ongoing fires. The red flag warnings remain in effect until 10 p.m. Wednesday, the weather service advised.
Officials urge the public to refrain from any unnecessary outdoor burning, that could initiate or contribute to extreme fire behavior throughout the region.
Warm, sunny conditions are expected to continue in the Ephrata area from Thursday through the weekend with daytime high temperatures in the upper 80s.
