Fire Weather Watch Issued for Columbia Basin This Saturday

We can't seem to catch a break in Washington State and Oregon. Currently, Washington is under a state-wide burn ban through September 30. As if this isn't enough, it's hot, with a heat advisory in effect through Friday evening.

Now, the National Weather Service in Pendleton Has Issued a Fire Weather Watch

a fire blazing in the distance with trees in the foreground — Photo by Dirk Erasmus on Unsplash

A Fire Weather Watch means critical fire weather conditions are possible. The Fire Weather Watch is in effect from Saturday afernoon through evening for wind and low humidity.

A weather system will bring widespread breezy westerly winds through the Cascade gaps and across the Columbia Basin and portions of the Blue Mountains region on Saturday afternoon and evening. Coupled with low relative humidity, this may lead to critical fire weather conditions. Moreover, there is potential for high-based showers and thunderstorms, with the best chances of abundant lightning along the Washington Cascades overnight through Saturday morning.

Gusts of 25-40 mph are expected. Any fire that develops will spread rapidly.

There is relief in sight. According to the Weather Channel, cooler temps are coming. Sunday's high is expected to be in the upper 80's. Although, by Monday, we're right back to the 90s. Stay safe.

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