Fire danger rises with winds tonight

The National Weather Service says a heightened fire danger will develop tonight as a low-pressure area causes winds to pick up. A “red-flag” warning for fire danger has been issued across much the Columbia Basin, the Palouse region, southeast Washington and the east Cascades slopes. Lowered humidity levels add to the fire danger as dry air circulates over the region from the passing of a dry cold front. Winds are going to gust to 24 mph in Pullman and Ritzville. While Spokane is going to see gusts to 21 mph, the city was not included in the red-flag warning. Coeur d’Alene could see winds to 18 mph. Highs on Friday may only reach 74, a relief from a heat wave earlier this month. Temperatures should rebound to the lower 80s on Saturday and upper 80s on Sunday under sunny skies.