Red flag warning for Northeast Washington for Thursday - enhanced fire threat
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A red flag warning was released by the NWS Spokane WA on Wednesday at 11:21 p.m. valid for Thursday between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. for Foothills of Northeast Washington.
"Two rounds of showers and thunderstorms will impact Central and Eastern Washington between Wednesday night and Thursday evening. The first round will track south to north through Central Washington Wednesday night into Thursday morning and will consist of a mix of wet and dry thunderstorms with scattered lightning strikes. Rainfall amounts will generally range from a trace to a tenth of an inch, but may be higher if multiple storms move over the same area. As this activity drifts north of Highway 2 Thursday morning, lightning activity will become isolated. A second round of thunderstorms will track southwest to northeast late Thursday morning into Thursday evening. A few storms could be strong during this time with frequent lightning and hail. Gusty outflow winds and new fire starts will be a concern with any thunderstorms from Wednesday night through Thursday evening. The National Weather Service in Spokane has issued a Red Flag Warning for thunderstorms, which is in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday. Affected Area: Foothills of Northeast Washington (Zone 701). Thunderstorms: Isolated coverage in the late morning and early afternoon becoming isolated to scattered in the late afternoon and evening. A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms with rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch. Locally higher rainfall amounts possible where multiple storms move over the same area. Outflow Winds: Erratic outflow wind gusts up to 60 mph. Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New fires could be impacted by gusty outflow winds," explains the NWS.
This warning is in effect until Thursday at 11 p.m.
What is the significance of a red flag warning?
A red flag warning indicates that either extreme fire weather conditions are currently happening or will happen soon, as per the NWS. Warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire to spread rapidly.
What should you do under a red flag warning?
A red flag warning demands vigilance and immediate readiness to respond to potential fires. The NWS provides these vital guidelines to minimize fire hazards and ensure your safety:
1. Secure burn barrels:
If burning is permitted in your area, ensure that all burn barrels have a weighted metal cover, complete with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.
2. Mindful handling of smoking materials:
Never discard lit cigarette butts outside, and avoid tossing cigarettes or matches from a moving vehicle. These seemingly small actions can lead to dry grass ignition, potentially sparking a wildfire.
3. Properly extinguish outdoor fires:
To prevent inadvertent fires, diligently douse all outdoor fires. Quench them with a copious deluge of water and stir to guarantee complete cooling. Submerge charcoal until it's thoroughly bereft of residual heat. Never depart from live charcoal unattended.
4. Never desert a blaze:
Avoid leaving any fire unattended. Even sparks or embers carried by the wind can ignite nearby leaves or grass, triggering a fire that spreads rapidly.
Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is paramount in averting wildfires during these perilous conditions. Prioritize safety, stay impeccably informed, and assume responsibility to shield lives and property.
Source: The National Weather Service
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This story was originally published July 15, 2026 at 11:27 PM.