FIRE WEATHER WARNING

Independence day: expect hot, dry day with fire hazard warning

Thurston County and surrounding counties affected

“Warm and dry conditions are expected across Washington this week. Temperatures will peak Tuesday through Thursday. The main concerns this week are: Heat-related illness, especially in those outside all day or are sensitive to heat or do not have access to effective cooling/hydration. Increased risk of new and rapidly spreading wildfires due to fireworks, grills, vehicles, etc. combined with dry and unstable weather conditions.”

Courtesy of National Weather Service Forecast Office Seattle/Tacoma, WA

Posted Monday, July 3, 2023 6:53 pm

By Sage Hamilton

According to a National Weather Service forecast (NWS), Thurston County and surrounding areas are under a “Red Flag Warning in effect from 7 a.m. Tuesday to 7 p.m. PDT Wednesday for hot, dry and unstable conditions for fire weather.”

“A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either imminent or occurring now. Any fires that develop will likely spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended,” according to NWS.

Fire safety is urged from low humidity, around 15 to 20 percent, and high temperatures, NWS detailed. “A dry and unstable air mass with warm temperatures can contribute to active fire behavior. In western Washington, significant growth on existing fires takes place under such conditions.”

If a fire does get started, the air quality can get worse in nearby areas, NWS shared further.

Map showing the areas in Western Washington that are under the Red Flag Warning until Wednesday, July 5th, in the evening.

Temperatures are expected to be from the 80’s to the lower 90’s in the area.

Air quality is forecasted to be moderate quality for much of Washington the 4^th of July on the smoke forecast, as predicted by the Department of Ecology for the State of Washington.