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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Dry lightning expected in central Washington

Lighting forecast for central Washington tonight and into Monday could spark more wildfires across the region. The National Weather Service today said a red flag warning will remain in effect until 11 a.m. Monday for the Wenatchee, Lake Chelan, Ellensburg, Cle Elum and Entiat areas. Thunderstorms tonight over the central and north Cascades probably won’t produce much rainfall but could yield a significant amount of lightning activity, heightening the potential for new fire starts, the weather service said. Then on Monday afternoon, additional slow-moving thunderstorms may produce brief, heavy rain, the agency said. Thunderstorms also are possible tonight in the Spokane and Coeur d’Alene areas. A red flag warning means critical fire weather conditions are occurring or will shortly. A combination of abundant lightning and dry fuels heighten the potential for new wildfire ignitions, forecasters said.