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

‘Red flag’ fire weather returns to region

The National Weather Service today issued a new “red flag” warning for dangerous fire weather through 5 p.m. on Friday as firefighters struggle to contain massive wildfires burning across the region. The warning extends from the Cascade crest across Eastern Washington and into North Idaho. Large areas of Oregon are under the warning as well. Forecasters said that a thermal low pressure area today is going to create unstable conditions in the atmosphere, which is conducive to vertical motion in the air. Gusty winds from the low could add energy to the fires. As the heat low moves eastward, it is going to be replaced by an approaching cold front, which is expected to bring gusty winds, particularly along the mountain gaps in the Cascades and northern mountains. In Spokane, southwest winds starting Thursday should increase by Thursday night with gusts to 28 mph and then continue on Friday before easing up Friday evening. Some areas could see stronger gusts up to 40 mph. Areas of blowing dust are also possible on Friday. Highs should go from the lower 90s in Spokane today to the middle and upper 80s on Thursday before dropping into the 70s behind the cold front on Friday with the milder weather prevailing through Saturday. Air quality in Spokane this afternoon was measured in the moderate range, but the forecast calls for a likelihood of unhealthy air on Thursday as smoke continues to drift over the region. “Red flag” weather warnings were in effect last week when lightning sparked new storms that were then driven by strong gusty winds.