As of Wednesday morning, the National Weather Service (NWS) predicts critical fire weather conditions in the Pacific Northwest Friday through Sunday.
Smoke from ongoing wildfires could also impact air quality in the region, according to NWS’s Seattle office.
Strong offshore flows are expected to generate hot, dry and windy conditions — especially across the Cascades and portions of the interior — on Friday and Saturday, turning into “dry and unstable conditions” on Sunday, according to the NWS.
Wind speeds from the northeast and east are anticipated to reach 15 to 30 mph.
The NWS forecasts temperatures in the 80s and 90s on Friday and Saturday, lowering to the 80s on Sunday, with cool overnight lows in the upper 40s to lower 50s throughout the weekend.
The NWS predicts conditions will return to “near normal,” with a lower fire threat level, on Monday.
Given the increased wildfire risk over the weekend, the NWS asks Washington residents to remain cautious and take actions to avoid starting a fire, such as:
• Properly discard cigarettes
• Keep vehicles off of dry grass
• Avoid activities with open flames or sparks
• Avoid power equipment that creates sparks
• Obey active burn bans
• Follow any evacuation orders
For updated regional weather forecasts, visit https://www.weather.gov/sew/.
