Red Flag Warning 10, NWS Spokane, WA

370 
WWUS86 KOTX 171217
RFWOTX

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Spokane WA
517 AM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026

...GUSTY SOUTHERLY WINDS OKANOGAN, METHOW VALLEYS FRIDAY 
AFTERNOON AND EVENING...

...GUSTY SOUTHERLY WINDS WATERVILLE PLATEAU FRIDAY AFTERNOON
SHIFTING TO WESTERLY IN THE EVENING...

.Additional showers and storms will track through Northern
Washington and North Idaho this morning with a decreasing trend
from south to north. Dry and breezy conditions will develop in 
portions of central Washington Friday afternoon. A sharp wind 
shift from south to west will impact the Waterville Plateau Friday
evening.

WAZ709-171330-
/O.EXP.KOTX.FW.W.0009.000000T0000Z-260717T1200Z/
Lower Palouse - Snake River (Zone 709)-
517 AM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 5 AM PDT EARLY THIS MORNING
FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 709...


$$

WAZ703-172030-
/O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260717T1400Z/
/O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0010.260717T1900Z-260718T0400Z/
Okanogan Valley (Zone 703)-
517 AM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM PDT THIS MORNING
FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 703... 
...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 9 PM PDT
THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 
703...

* Affected Area: Okanogan Valley (Zone 703).

* Winds: South 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

* Timing: Friday afternoon and early evening.

* Relative Humidities: 13 to 19 percent.

* Temperatures: Up to 95.

* Lightning: Isolated lightning decreasing this morning. 

* Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. Gusty winds and low 
  humidity Friday afternoon may lead to rapid fire spread with any
  new or ongoing fires. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

WAZ704-172030-
/O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260717T1400Z/
/O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0010.260717T1900Z-260718T0400Z/
Methow Valley (Zone 704)-
517 AM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM PDT THIS MORNING
FOR THUNDERSTORMS  FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 704... 
...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 9 PM PDT
THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 
704...

* Affected Area: Methow Valley (Zone 704).

* Winds: South 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.

* Timing: Friday afternoon and early evening.

* Relative Humidities: 14 to 19 percent.

* Temperatures: 90 to 93.

* Lightning: Isolated lightning decreasing this morning.

* Impacts: Gusty winds and low humidity Friday afternoon may lead
  to rapid fire spread with any new or ongoing fires. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

WAZ706-172030-
/O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260717T1400Z/
/O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0010.260717T1900Z-260718T0600Z/
Waterville Plateau (Zone 706)-
517 AM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM PDT THIS MORNING
FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 706... 
...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 11 PM 
PDT THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 
706...

* Affected Area: Waterville Plateau (Zone 706).

* Winds: Breezy south winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 25 mph 
  in the afternoon. Winds shifting to west 15 to 25 mph with gusts
  up to 35 mph in the evening. 

* Timing: Friday afternoon and evening.

* Relative Humidities: 12 to 18 percent.

* Temperatures: 90 to 93.

* Lightning: Isolated lightning decreasing this morning.

* Impacts: Gusty winds and low humidity Friday
  afternoon may lead to rapid fire spread with any new or ongoing
  fires. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

WAZ701-708-171400-
/O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260717T1400Z/
Foothills of Northeast Washington (Zone 701)-
Eastern Columbia Basin - Palouse - Spokane Area (Zone 708)-
517 AM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM PDT THIS MORNING
FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 701 AND 708...

* Affected Area: Foothills of Northeast Washington (Zone 701) and
  Eastern Columbia Basin-Palouse-Spokane Area (Zone 708).

* Thunderstorms: Isolated to scattered thunderstorms Friday 
  morning. Rainfall amounts up to a tenth of an inch possible, 
  with locally higher amounts where multiple storms move over the 
  same area.

* Outflow Winds: Gusty and erratic thunderstorm outflow winds up
  to 30 mph will be possible through Friday morning.

* Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New and existing fires
  could be impacted by gusty outflow winds.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

WAZ697-698-171400-
/O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260717T1400Z/
East Portion of North Cascades National Park/Lake Chelan National
Recreation Area (Zone 697)-
East Washington North Cascades (Zone 698)-
517 AM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM PDT THIS MORNING
FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 697 AND 698...

* Affected Area: East Portion of North Cascades National 
  Park/Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (Zone 697) and East 
  Washington North Cascades (Zone 698).

* Thunderstorms: Isolated thunderstorms possible Friday morning.
  Rainfall amounts up to a tenth of an inch possible, with 
  locally higher amounts where multiple storms move over the same 
  area.

* Outflow Winds: Gusty and erratic thunderstorm outflow winds up
  to 30 mph will be possible through Friday morning.

* Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New and existing fires
  could be impacted by gusty outflow winds.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

WAZ699-702-171400-
/O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260717T1400Z/
Okanogan Highlands and Kettle Mountains (Zone 699)-
Colville Reservation (Zone 702)-
517 AM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM PDT THIS MORNING
FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 699 AND 702...

* Affected Area: Okanogan Highlands and Kettle Mountains (Zone 
  699) and Colville Reservation (Zone 702).

* Thunderstorms: Scattered thunderstorms possible into Friday 
  morning. Rainfall amounts up to a tenth of an inch possible, 
  with locally higher amounts where multiple storms move over the 
  same area.

* Outflow Winds: Gusty and erratic thunderstorm outflow winds up
  to 30 mph will be possible through Friday morning.

* Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New and existing fires
  could be impacted by gusty outflow winds.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

IDZ101-WAZ700-171800-
/O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260717T1800Z/
Northern and Central Idaho Panhandle (Zone 101)-
Selkirk Mountains of Northeast Washington (Zone 700)-
517 AM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM PDT THIS
MORNING FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 101 AND 700...

* Affected Area: Northern and Central Idaho Panhandle (Zone 101) 
  and Selkirk Mountains of Northeast Washington (Zone 700).

* Thunderstorms: Scattered thunderstorms into Friday morning. 
  Rainfall amounts up to a tenth of an inch possible, with locally
  higher amounts where multiple storms move over the same area.

* Outflow Winds: Gusty and erratic thunderstorm outflow winds up
  to 30 mph will be possible through Friday morning.

* Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New and existing fires
  could be impacted by gusty outflow winds.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

791 
WWUS86 KOTX 171304
RFWOTX

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Spokane WA
604 AM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026

...GUSTY SOUTHERLY WINDS OKANOGAN, METHOW VALLEYS FRIDAY
AFTERNOON AND EVENING...

...GUSTY SOUTHERLY WINDS WATERVILLE PLATEAU FRIDAY AFTERNOON
SHIFTING TO WESTERLY IN THE EVENING...

.Additional showers and storms will track through Northern
Washington and North Idaho this morning with a decreasing trend
from south to north. Dry and breezy conditions will develop in
portions of central Washington Friday afternoon. A sharp wind
shift from south to west will impact the Waterville Plateau
Friday evening.

WAZ704-172115-
/O.CAN.KOTX.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260717T1400Z/
/O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0010.260717T1900Z-260718T0400Z/
Methow Valley (Zone 704)-
604 AM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 9 PM PDT
THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 
704...

...RED FLAG WARNING IS CANCELLED FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE 
WEATHER ZONE 704...

The National Weather Service in Spokane has cancelled the Red
Flag Warning.

* Affected Area: Methow Valley (Zone 704).

* Winds: Southeast 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Winds
  shifting to the west and northwest Friday evening 5 to 15 mph.

* Timing: Friday afternoon and early evening.

* Relative Humidities: 14 to 19 percent.

* Temperatures: 90 to 93.

* Impacts: Gusty winds and low humidity Friday afternoon may lead
  to rapid fire spread with any new or ongoing fires. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

WAZ706-172115-
/O.CAN.KOTX.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260717T1400Z/
/O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0010.260717T1900Z-260718T0600Z/
Waterville Plateau (Zone 706)-
604 AM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 11 PM
PDT THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 
706...

...RED FLAG WARNING IS CANCELLED FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE
WEATHER ZONE 706...

The National Weather Service in Spokane has cancelled the Red
Flag Warning.

* Affected Area: Waterville Plateau (Zone 706).

* Winds: Breezy south winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 25 mph 
  in the afternoon. Winds shifting to west 15 to 25 mph with gusts
  up to 35 mph in the evening. 

* Timing: Friday afternoon and evening.

* Relative Humidities: 12 to 18 percent.

* Temperatures: 90 to 93.

* Impacts: Gusty winds and low humidity Friday
  afternoon may lead to rapid fire spread with any new or ongoing
  fires. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

WAZ697-698-171415-
/O.CAN.KOTX.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260717T1400Z/
East Portion of North Cascades National Park/Lake Chelan National
Recreation Area (Zone 697)-
East Washington North Cascades (Zone 698)-
604 AM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING IS CANCELLED FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE
WEATHER ZONES 697 AND 698...

The National Weather Service in Spokane has cancelled the Red
Flag Warning.

The threat for scaterred thunderstorms has ended.


$$

WAZ703-172115-
/O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260717T1400Z/
/O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0010.260717T1900Z-260718T0400Z/
Okanogan Valley (Zone 703)-
604 AM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM PDT THIS MORNING
FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 703...
...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 9 PM PDT
THIS EVENING FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 703...

* Affected Area: Okanogan Valley (Zone 703).

* Winds: South 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

* Timing: Friday afternoon and early evening.

* Relative Humidities: 13 to 19 percent.

* Temperatures: 92 to 96.

* Lightning: Isolated lightning decreasing this morning. 

* Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. Gusty winds and low 
  humidity Friday afternoon may lead to rapid fire spread with any
  new or ongoing fires. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

WAZ701-708-171415-
/O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260717T1400Z/
Foothills of Northeast Washington (Zone 701)-
Eastern Columbia Basin - Palouse - Spokane Area (Zone 708)-
604 AM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM PDT THIS MORNING
FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 701 AND 708...

* Affected Area: Foothills of Northeast Washington (Zone 701) 
  and Eastern Columbia Basin  -Palouse  -Spokane Area (Zone 708).

* Thunderstorms: Isolated to scattered thunderstorms Friday 
  morning. Rainfall amounts up to a tenth of an inch possible, 
  with locally higher amounts where multiple storms move over the 
  same area.

* Outflow Winds: Gusty and erratic thunderstorm outflow winds up
  to 30 mph will be possible through Friday morning.

* Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New and existing fires
  could be impacted by gusty outflow winds.:

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

WAZ699-702-171415-
/O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260717T1400Z/
Okanogan Highlands and Kettle Mountains (Zone 699)-
Colville Reservation (Zone 702)-
604 AM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM PDT THIS MORNING
FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 699 AND 702...

* Affected Area: Okanogan Highlands and Kettle Mountains (Zone 
  699) and Colville Reservation (Zone 702).

* Thunderstorms: Scattered thunderstorms possible Friday morning.
  Rainfall amounts up to a tenth of an inch possible, with 
  locally higher amounts where multiple storms move over the same 
  area.

* Outflow Winds: Gusty and erratic thunderstorm outflow winds up
  to 30 mph will be possible through Friday morning.

* Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New and existing fires
  could be impacted by gusty outflow winds.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

IDZ101-WAZ700-171800-
/O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260717T1800Z/
Northern and Central Idaho Panhandle (Zone 101)-
Selkirk Mountains of Northeast Washington (Zone 700)-
604 AM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM PDT THIS
MORNING FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 101 AND 700...

* Affected Area: Northern and Central Idaho Panhandle (Zone 101) 
  and Selkirk Mountains of Northeast Washington (Zone 700).

* Thunderstorms: Scattered thunderstorms into Friday morning. 
  Rainfall amounts up to a tenth of an inch possible, with locally
  higher amounts where multiple storms move over the same area.

* Outflow Winds: Gusty and erratic thunderstorm outflow winds up
  to 30 mph will be possible through Friday morning.

* Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New and existing fires
  could be impacted by gusty outflow winds.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

795 
WWUS86 KOTX 171355
RFWOTX

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Spokane WA
655 AM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026

...GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY 703,704,705 FRIDAY AFTERNOON AND 
EVENING...

.Additional showers and storms will track through Northern
Washington and North Idaho this morning with a decreasing trend
from south to north. Dry and breezy conditions will develop in
portions of central Washington Friday afternoon. A sharp wind
shift from south to west will impact the Waterville Plateau
Friday evening.

WAZ703-172200-
/O.EXP.KOTX.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260717T1400Z/
/O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0010.260717T1900Z-260718T0400Z/
Okanogan Valley (Zone 703)-
655 AM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 9 PM PDT
THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 
703... 

...RED FLAG WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 7 AM PDT THIS MORNING 
FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 703...

* Affected Area: Okanogan Valley (Zone 703).

* Winds: South 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

* Timing: Friday afternoon and early evening.

* Relative Humidities: 13 to 19 percent.

* Temperatures: 92 to 96.

* Impacts: Gusty winds and low humidity Friday afternoon may lead
  to rapid fire spread with any new or ongoing fires.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

WAZ701-708-171500-
/O.EXP.KOTX.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260717T1400Z/
Foothills of Northeast Washington (Zone 701)-
Eastern Columbia Basin - Palouse - Spokane Area (Zone 708)-
655 AM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 7 AM PDT THIS MORNING FOR
THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 701 AND 708...

Isolated thunderstorms will be possible through 730 AM then the
threat will wane. 

$$

WAZ699-702-171500-
/O.EXP.KOTX.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260717T1400Z/
Okanogan Highlands and Kettle Mountains (Zone 699)-
Colville Reservation (Zone 702)-
655 AM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 7 AM PDT THIS MORNING FOR
THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 699 AND 702...

Isolated thunderstorms will be possible through 730 AM then the
threat will wane.

$$

IDZ101-WAZ700-171800-
/O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260717T1800Z/
Northern and Central Idaho Panhandle (Zone 101)-
Selkirk Mountains of Northeast Washington (Zone 700)-
655 AM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM PDT THIS
MORNING FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 101 AND 700...

* Affected Area: Northern and Central Idaho Panhandle (Zone 101) 
  and Selkirk Mountains of Northeast Washington (Zone 700).

* Thunderstorms: Scattered thunderstorms through Friday morning. 
  Rainfall amounts up to a tenth of an inch possible, with locally
  higher amounts where multiple storms move over the same area.

* Outflow Winds: Gusty and erratic thunderstorm outflow winds up
  to 30 mph will be possible through Friday morning.

* Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New and existing fires
  could be impacted by gusty outflow winds.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

WAZ704-172200-
/O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0010.260717T1900Z-260718T0400Z/
Methow Valley (Zone 704)-
655 AM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 9 PM PDT
THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 
704...

* Affected Area: Methow Valley (Zone 704).

* Winds: Southeast 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Winds
  shifting to the west and northwest Friday evening 5 to 15 mph.

* Timing: Friday afternoon and early evening.

* Relative Humidities: 14 to 19 percent.

* Temperatures: 90 to 93.

* Impacts: Gusty winds and low humidity Friday afternoon may lead
  to rapid fire spread with any new or ongoing fires. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

WAZ706-172200-
/O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0010.260717T1900Z-260718T0600Z/
Waterville Plateau (Zone 706)-
655 AM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 11 PM
PDT THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 
706...

* Affected Area: Waterville Plateau (Zone 706).

* Winds: Breezy south winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 25 mph 
  in the afternoon. Winds shifting to west 15 to 25 mph with gusts
  up to 35 mph in the evening. 

* Timing: Friday afternoon and evening.

* Relative Humidities: 12 to 18 percent.

* Temperatures: 90 to 93.

* Impacts: Gusty winds and low humidity Friday afternoon may lead
  to rapid fire spread with any new or ongoing fires. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

157 
WWUS86 KOTX 171813
RFWOTX

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Spokane WA
1113 AM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026


IDZ101-WAZ700-171915-
/O.EXP.KOTX.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260717T1800Z/
Northern and Central Idaho Panhandle (Zone 101)-
Selkirk Mountains of Northeast Washington (Zone 700)-
1113 AM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING HAS EXPIRED FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE 
WEATHER ZONES 101 AND 700...

Isolated thunderstorms possible through this evening but the 
threat of abundant lightning has diminished.

$$

WAZ706-180400-
/O.EXT.KOTX.FW.W.0010.260717T1900Z-260718T0400Z/
Waterville Plateau (Zone 706)-
1113 AM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM PDT THIS EVENING FOR
WIND AND LOW HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 706...

* Affected Area: Waterville Plateau (Zone 706).

* Winds: Breezy south winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 25 mph 
  in the afternoon. Winds shifting to west 15 to 25 mph with gusts
  up to 35 mph in the evening. 

* Timing: Friday afternoon and evening.

* Relative Humidities: 12 to 18 percent.

* Temperatures: 90 to 93.

* Impacts: Gusty winds and low humidity Friday afternoon may lead
  to rapid fire spread with any new or ongoing fires. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

WAZ703-704-180400-
/O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0010.260717T1900Z-260718T0400Z/
Okanogan Valley (Zone 703)-Methow Valley (Zone 704)-
1113 AM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM PDT THIS EVENING
FOR WIND AND LOW HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 703 AND 704...

* Affected Area: Okanogan Valley (Zone 703) and Methow Valley 
  (Zone 704).

* Winds: For Okanogan Valley (Zone 703) South 15 to 20 mph with 
  gusts up to 30 mph. For Methow Valley (Zone 704) Southeast 15 to
  20 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Winds shifting to the west and 
  northwest Friday evening 5 to 15 mph.

* Timing: Friday afternoon and evening.

* Relative Humidities: 13 to 19 percent.

* Temperatures: 90 to 96.

* Impacts: Gusty winds and low humidity Friday afternoon may lead
  to rapid fire spread with any new or ongoing fires.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

821 
WWUS86 KOTX 180408
RFWOTX

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Spokane WA
908 PM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FOR PORTIONS OF CENTRAL WASHINGTON
SATURDAY AFTERNOON FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...

Dry and breezy conditions are expected on the Waterville Plateau
and Colville Reservation Saturday afternoon and evening. Rapid
fire spread is likely with any new or ongoing fires. Evening
Cascade gap winds will increase relative humidity above critical
levels.

WAZ706-182000-
/O.EXP.KOTX.FW.W.0010.000000T0000Z-260718T0400Z/
/O.NEW.KOTX.FW.W.0011.260718T1900Z-260719T0400Z/
Waterville Plateau (Zone 706)-
908 PM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026
...RED FLAG WARNING HAS EXPIRED FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE
HUMIDITY THIS EVENING FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 706...

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 9 PM PDT SATURDAY FOR
WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 706...

The National Weather Service in Spokane has issued a Red Flag
Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect
from noon to 9 PM PDT Saturday.

* Affected Area: Waterville Plateau (Zone 706).

* Winds: West 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

* Relative Humidities: 12 to 23 percent.

* Impacts: Rapid fire spread is likely with any new or ongoing
  fires. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

WAZ703-704-180515-
/O.EXP.KOTX.FW.W.0010.000000T0000Z-260718T0400Z/
Okanogan Valley (Zone 703)-Methow Valley (Zone 704)-
908 PM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING HAS EXPIRED FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE
HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 703 AND 704...

Wind and relative have dropped below critical thresholds. 

$$

WAZ702-182000-
/O.NEW.KOTX.FW.W.0011.260718T1900Z-260719T0400Z/
Colville Reservation (Zone 702)-
908 PM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 9 PM PDT SATURDAY FOR
WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 702...

The National Weather Service in Spokane has issued a Red Flag
Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect
from noon to 9 PM PDT Saturday.

* Affected Area: Colville Reservation (Zone 702).

* Winds: Southwest/West 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.

* Relative Humidities: 15 to 23 percent.

* Impacts: Rapid fire spread is likely with any new or ongoing
  fires. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Spokane WA
442 PM PDT Thu Jul 16 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

- A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms through Friday will bring
  lightning, hail, and strong outflow winds.

- Breezy, dry conditions around the lee of the Cascades Friday
  and breezy and dry conditions across the region Saturday.

- Dry conditions this weekend, with temperatures remaining warm
  in the upper 80s and 90s.

&&

.SYNOPSIS...
Hot and unstable conditions, low humidity, lightning, and
gusty winds will maintain critical fire weather conditions
across portions of Central and Eastern Washington through at
least Thursday. Dry conditions resume this weekend.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
This afternoon through Friday: An evolving risk for isolated to
scattered showers and thunderstorms will be found this period,
as a low pressure trough tracks up the Washington coast and
eventually into British Columbia by late Friday night. This
afternoon that low sits off the WA coast and it is projected to
lift toward Vancouver Island by Friday morning. A deformation
axis wrapping from Idaho westward toward the Cascades will edge
north through that period too, then all these features will
start to lift into British Columbia. The moist and unstable
southerly flow ahead of and into that feature will be one of the
focal points for the precipitation threat. However the general
set-up will bring a risk for isolated showers/t-storms just
about anywhere in hit-and-miss fashion. Analysis shows around
500-2000 J/kg of CAPE are found around the region, with the
highest numbers around the central to southern Panhandle;
however, there is a 25-250 J/kg CIN that may be inhibiting some
of the convection from developing. The lift at this point it not
all that impressive to overcome that, but as we head into the
remainder of the afternoon into tonight activity is expected to
expand. For the afternoon and evening Friday the risk for
showers/t-storms linger near the Canadian border and around the
central Panhandle, with a slot of drier air wrapping into the
region reducing that threat of precipitation.

Right now the main activity around the 2 pm hour was showing up
from the Palouse to the Idaho Panhandle in isolated fashion.
However, the low edging closer and deformation axis lifting
north, I am expecting the showers to expand around the Cascades,
north and eastern WA and the ID Panhandle through this
afternoon and evening. Then heading into the overnight into
Friday morning the threat starts to lift the primarily the
northern mountain zones. Some of these thunderstorms will have
the potential for gusty outflow winds, small hail and lightning.
The SPC still has a marginal threat of severe t-storms over the
eastern third of WA and ID, so some of these produce strong
outflow winds (up to 60 mph) and hail (up to 1 inch). The
overall better threat of that is toward the ID/MT border
eastward, but this will still be monitored.

The threat of lighting and gusty outflow winds is reason for
the Red Flag Warnings that are currently in place. The cells
have been moving at a pretty good clip, around 30 to 40 mph and
lightning outside of the core of the storms and just given the
speed suggest this would be mostly dry lightning. So the risk
for fire starts remains. The other fire weather concerns will be
found heading into Friday afternoon due to breezy/windy and dry
conditions. Per the HREF, the combined probability of RH <20%
and winds >15 mph from the Okanogan Valley to Waterville Plateau
is starts to rise after midday and peaks in the late afternoon
to early evening. Thus fire weather watches remain in place for
some of that area, the Okanogan and Methow Valley for Friday
from noon to 9 pm. Relative humidity values bottom out around
the mid-teens with winds of 10-20 mph and gusts of 25-30 mph.

Saturday through Wednesday: Ensemble show the low pressure
continuing to track over British Columbia and east into Alberta,
but a secondary shortwave trough track around the backside of
the parent trough and into our region Saturday into Sunday,
before a dirty ridge takes over. The drier air over the region
means that the shortwave will not have much to work with in
terms of precipitation, meaning a dry weekend. However heading
toward Tuesday some monsoonal moisture edges toward again some
limited shower/t-storm chances will reemerge near the
southeastern CWA and eventually into most of the mountain zones
toward Wednesday (into next Thursday). We will see about the
lowland risk as we get closer.

Winds will be breezy/gusty on Saturday with the low still
tracking by, so speeds of 10-20 mph and gusts of 20-30 mph are
in the forecast. With minimum RH values in the teens and 20s, we
will have some elevated fire weather conditions with possible
pockets of critical fire weather conditions. High temperatures
will hover in the upper 80s to mid 90s through Sunday, warming
to mainly the 90s to low 100s next week but the model spread
starts to introduce some uncertainty into the forecast as to the
precise numbers. /Solveig

&&

.AVIATION...
00Z TAFS: Low pressure off the Northwest Pacific coast will
continue to promote a moist southerly flow across the region
through tonight across eastern WA and north ID. Elevated
instability in this airmass will promote occasional isolated to
scattered showers and thunderstorms. Radar and hi-res model
trends suggest a diminishing threat for thunderstorms near the
TAF sites through tonight so have removed -TSRA mention with
this update, but will continue to monitor as there will be a
nonzero threat through tonight. Greatest chances for -TSRA this
afternoon will be near KLWS/KPUW, and across northeast WA and
north ID (north of KGEG/KSFF/KCOE) thereafter tonight. Further
west towards the Cascades, drier weather will prevail with
occasionally gusty gap winds until early Friday morning.
Otherwise, VFR weather will prevail through the 00z TAF cycle.

Breezy south to southwest winds develop east of the Cascades
Friday, with gusty west-northwesterly gap winds closer to the
range. Some measure of -TSRA activity may roll over across the
northern mountains (mainly NE Washington/N Idaho) through 18z
Friday.

FORECAST CONFIDENCE AND/OR ALTERNATE SCENARIOS:
High confidence in VFR prevailing region-wide. Low confidence in
timing and coverage of showers and thunderstorms through Friday
morning with several sporadic waves of convection possible.
Moderate confidence in the greatest chances for convection
tonight through Friday morning being across northeastern WA and
north ID.

-----------------------
Confidence descriptors:

Low - Less than a 30 percent chance
Moderate - 30 to 70 percent chance
High - Greater than a 70 percent chance

For additional probabilistic information for NWS Spokane airports,

please refer to the Aviation Dashboard on our webpage:
https:/www.weather.gov/otx/avndashboard

&&

.Preliminary Point Temps/PoPs...
Spokane        62  92  59  91  59  92 /  30  10   0   0   0   0
Coeur d'Alene  64  91  61  90  59  90 /  40  10  10   0   0   0
Pullman        54  86  53  86  52  88 /  30  10  20   0   0   0
Lewiston       66  95  63  96  62  96 /  40  10  10   0   0   0
Colville       60  93  55  91  54  94 /  20  30   0   0   0   0
Sandpoint      60  91  58  89  56  91 /  50  20   0   0   0   0
Kellogg        60  89  59  87  56  87 /  50  10  10   0   0   0
Moses Lake     62  93  59  93  58  94 /  10  10   0   0   0   0
Wenatchee      66  93  64  91  64  94 /  10  10   0   0   0   0
Omak           68  95  62  94  62  96 /  30  10   0   0   0   0

&&

.OTX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
WA...Red Flag Warning until 11 AM PDT Friday for Colville
     Reservation (Zone 702)-Okanogan Highlands and Kettle
     Mountains (Zone 699)-Okanogan Valley (Zone 703)-Selkirk
     Mountains of Northeast Washington (Zone 700).
     Heat Advisory until 9 PM PDT this evening for Lower Garfield
     and Asotin Counties-Moses Lake Area-Okanogan Valley-
     Spokane Area-Upper Columbia Basin-Washington Palouse-
     Waterville Plateau-Wenatchee Area.
     Red Flag Warning until 11 PM PDT this evening for Eastern
     Columbia Basin  -Palouse  -Spokane Area (Zone 708)-
     Foothills of Northeast Washington (Zone 701)-Lower
     Palouse  -Snake River (Zone 709).
     Fire Weather Watch from Friday afternoon through Friday
     evening for Methow Valley (Zone 704)-Okanogan Valley
     (Zone 703).
     Red Flag Warning until 5 AM PDT Friday for East Portion of
     North Cascades National Park/Lake Chelan National
     Recreation Area (Zone 697)-East Washington Central
     Cascades (Zone 696)-East Washington North Cascades (Zone
     698)-Foothills of Central Washington Cascades (Zone 705)-
     Methow Valley (Zone 704)-Waterville Plateau (Zone 706).
ID...Red Flag Warning until 11 AM PDT Friday for Northern and
     Central Idaho Panhandle (Zone 101).
     Heat Advisory until 9 PM PDT this evening for Coeur d'Alene
     Area-Idaho Palouse-Lewis and Southern Nez Perce Counties-
     Lewiston Area.

&&

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Spokane WA
542 PM PDT Thu Jul 16 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0430 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     1 NE Nezperce           46.24N 116.23W
07/16/2026                   Lewis              ID   Law Enforcement

            Lewis County Sheriff reported a downed tree
            29.5 ft tall over State Highway 64. Time
            estimated from radar.

&&

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Spokane WA
558 PM PDT Thu Jul 16 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0430 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     Nezperce                46.24N 116.24W
07/16/2026                   Lewis              ID   Law Enforcement

            Lewis County sheriff reported two ten inch
            diameter branches hanging on powerlines.
            Time estimated from radar.

&&