UPDATED: Red Flag Warning for much of the Columbia Basin Friday

UPDATE (06:45 Friday) – The fire weather watch is now a Red Flag Warning in effect from 12:00 to 20:00 Friday. All other forecast information is still valid – see Thursday’s article below:

Dry, warm, and breezy conditions have prompted the National Weather Service office in Pendleton to issue a Fire Weather Watch for the Columbia Basin, in effect Friday afternoon and evening. If the forecast holds, this will likely become a red flag warning as the event approaches.

Warm temperatures east of the Cascades with comparatively cool temperatures to the west are expected to generate strong gap winds through the mountains during the afternoon and evening hours. Those directly downwind of the Columbia Gorge (such as Hermiston and the Tri-Cities) as well as the Kittitas Valley are likely to observe the strongest winds, gusting to 25 mph in spots, but breezy conditions are expected throughout the Columbia Basin and Yakima Valley.

Gusts to 25 mph are not exceptionally strong, but a large portion of the concern comes from dry conditions. With temperatures forecast to reach into the 90s, relative humidity values will be low. Some models have relative humidity dipping below 10%, but it is more likely to land somewhere between 10% and 20%.

Unusually wet weather observed this spring, while being great for the multi-year drought, caused more grasses to grow than usual. Now that we are well into the summer months, these have dried out generating significant amounts of fuel for quick spreading wildfires in arid regions. Because of the nature of this weather pattern, extreme fire conditions are not expected in the mountains or other forested parts of the Pacific Northwest.

Avoid outdoor burning while the watch is in effect. Other things you can do to be fire aware is to avoid shooting firearms in parched areas and making sure tow chains aren’t going to drag on the roadway. You can be prepared in case of fire by having a bag packed with important documents and medicine as well as food and water for your household in case you are instructed to evacuate.

You can view modeled wind, temperature, and relative humidity by heading over to my Forecast Map page.

This article is accurate as of 15:00 July 14, 2022.