Alert archive / Washington / Red Flag Warnings in 2026
Red Flag Warning 9, NWS Spokane, WA
NWS Spokane, WA issued this red flag warning at Jul 15, 2026, 9:10 PM PDT for Asotin County, Columbia County, Garfield County, Washington. It took effect at Jul 16, 2026, 1:00 PM PDT. It was in force for 16 hr. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.
The area
The counties it named.
The facts
- Issued
- Jul 15, 2026, 9:10 PM PDT (04:10 UTC)
- In effect from
- Jul 16, 2026, 1:00 PM PDT
- Expired
- Jul 17, 2026, 5:00 AM PDT
- In force
- 16 hr
- Issued by
- NWS Spokane, WA
Counties Asotin County, WA, Columbia County, WA, Garfield County, WA
The radar
The Pendleton radar (KPDT), 122 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 04:09 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.
Open the radar archive at this moment
The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.
The nearest sounding before it
Boise Airport, ID (KBOI), launched 00:00Z, 4.2 hours before the alert went out and 322 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.
- Mixed-layer CAPE
- 415 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- -78 J/kg
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 2860 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 35 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- -31 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 69 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- -0.1
The text
As transmitted.
235 WWUS86 KOTX 160410 RFWOTX URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Spokane WA 910 PM PDT Wed Jul 15 2026 ...ISOLATED TO SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY EVENING... .Two rounds of showers and thunderstorms will impact Central and Eastern Washington between Wednesday night and Thursday evening. The first round will track south to north through Central Washington Wednesday night into Thursday morning and will consist of a mix of wet and dry thunderstorms with scattered lightning strikes. Rainfall amounts will generally range from a trace to a tenth of an inch, but may be higher if multiple storms move over the same area. As this activity drifts north of Highway 2 Thursday morning, lightning activity will become isolated. A second round of thunderstorms will track southwest to northeast late Thursday morning into Thursday evening. A few storms could be strong during this time with frequent lightning and hail. Gusty outflow winds and new fire starts will be a concern with any thunderstorms from Wednesday night through Thursday evening. WAZ709-161800- /O.NEW.KOTX.FW.W.0009.260716T2000Z-260717T0600Z/ Lower Palouse - Snake River (Zone 709)- 910 PM PDT Wed Jul 15 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM TO 11 PM PDT THURSDAY FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 709... The National Weather Service in Spokane has issued a Red Flag Warning for thunderstorms, which is in effect from 1 PM to 11 PM PDT Thursday. * Affected Area: Lower Palouse -Snake River (Zone 709). * Thunderstorms: Isolated to scattered coverage. A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms with rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch. Locally higher rainfall amounts possible where multiple storms move over the same area. * Outflow Winds: Erratic outflow wind gusts up to 60 mph. * Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New 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. && $$ WAZ699-702-703-161800- /O.UPG.KOTX.FW.A.0007.260716T1400Z-260717T0600Z/ /O.EXB.KOTX.FW.W.0008.260716T1000Z-260717T0600Z/ Okanogan Highlands and Kettle Mountains (Zone 699)- Colville Reservation (Zone 702)-Okanogan Valley (Zone 703)- 910 PM PDT Wed Jul 15 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 11 PM PDT THURSDAY FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 699, 702, AND 703... The National Weather Service in Spokane has issued a Red Flag Warning for thunderstorms, which is in effect from 3 AM to 11 PM PDT Thursday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. * Affected Area: Okanogan Highlands and Kettle Mountains (Zone 699), Colville Reservation (Zone 702) and Okanogan Valley (Zone 703). * Thunderstorms: Isolated to scattered thunderstorms Thursday morning with a second round of storms Thursday afternoon and evening. A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms with rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch. Locally higher rainfall amounts possible where multiple storms move over the same area. * Outflow Winds: Erratic outflow wind gusts Thursday morning up to 30 mph. Outflow wind gusts Thursday afternoon and evening up to 50 mph. * Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New fires could be impacted by gusty outflow winds. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. && $$ WAZ708-161800- /O.EXB.KOTX.FW.W.0008.260716T1800Z-260717T0600Z/ Eastern Columbia Basin - Palouse - Spokane Area (Zone 708)- 910 PM PDT Wed Jul 15 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 11 PM PDT THURSDAY FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 708... The National Weather Service in Spokane has issued a Red Flag Warning for thunderstorms, which is in effect from 11 AM to 11 PM PDT Thursday. * Affected Area: Eastern Columbia Basin -Palouse -Spokane Area (Zone 708). * Thunderstorms: Isolated coverage in the late morning and early afternoon becoming isolated to scattered in the late afternoon and evening. A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms with rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch. Locally higher rainfall amounts possible where multiple storms move over the same area. * Outflow Winds: Erratic outflow wind gusts up to 60 mph. * Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New 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. && $$ WAZ696>698-704>707-161800- /O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0008.260716T0800Z-260716T1800Z/ East Washington Central Cascades (Zone 696)- East Portion of North Cascades National Park/Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (Zone 697)- East Washington North Cascades (Zone 698)- Methow Valley (Zone 704)- Foothills of Central Washington Cascades (Zone 705)- Waterville Plateau (Zone 706)-Western Columbia Basin (Zone 707)- 910 PM PDT Wed Jul 15 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 11 AM PDT THURSDAY FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 696, 705, 706, AND 707... * Affected Area: East Washington Central Cascades (Zone 696), East Portion of North Cascades National Park/Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (Zone 697), East Washington North Cascades (Zone 698), Methow Valley (Zone 704), Foothills of Central Washington Cascades (Zone 705), Waterville Plateau (Zone 706) and Western Columbia Basin (Zone 707). * Thunderstorms: Isolated to scattered coverage. A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms with rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch. Locally higher rainfall amounts possible where multiple storms move over the same area. * Outflow Winds: Erratic outflow winds ranging from 20 to 40 mph. * Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New fires could be impacted by gusty outflow winds. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. && $$
6 follow-up statements
902 WWUS86 KOTX 160621 RFWOTX URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Spokane WA 1121 PM PDT Wed Jul 15 2026 ...ISOLATED TO SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY EVENING... .Two rounds of showers and thunderstorms will impact Central and Eastern Washington between Wednesday night and Thursday evening. The first round will track south to north through Central Washington Wednesday night into Thursday morning and will consist of a mix of wet and dry thunderstorms with scattered lightning strikes. Rainfall amounts will generally range from a trace to a tenth of an inch, but may be higher if multiple storms move over the same area. As this activity drifts north of Highway 2 Thursday morning, lightning activity will become isolated. A second round of thunderstorms will track southwest to northeast late Thursday morning into Thursday evening. A few storms could be strong during this time with frequent lightning and hail. Gusty outflow winds and new fire starts will be a concern with any thunderstorms from Wednesday night through Thursday evening. WAZ701-161800- /O.EXA.KOTX.FW.W.0008.260716T1800Z-260717T0600Z/ Foothills of Northeast Washington (Zone 701)- 1121 PM PDT Wed Jul 15 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 11 PM PDT THURSDAY FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 701... The National Weather Service in Spokane has issued a Red Flag Warning for thunderstorms, which is in effect from 11 AM to 11 PM PDT Thursday. * Affected Area: Foothills of Northeast Washington (Zone 701). * Thunderstorms: Isolated coverage in the late morning and early afternoon becoming isolated to scattered in the late afternoon and evening. A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms with rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch. Locally higher rainfall amounts possible where multiple storms move over the same area. * Outflow Winds: Erratic outflow wind gusts up to 60 mph. * Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New 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. && $$ WAZ696>698-704>707-161800- /O.EXT.KOTX.FW.W.0008.260716T0621Z-260716T1800Z/ East Washington Central Cascades (Zone 696)- East Portion of North Cascades National Park/Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (Zone 697)- East Washington North Cascades (Zone 698)- Methow Valley (Zone 704)- Foothills of Central Washington Cascades (Zone 705)- Waterville Plateau (Zone 706)-Western Columbia Basin (Zone 707)- 1121 PM PDT Wed Jul 15 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM PDT THURSDAY FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 696, 705, 706, AND 707... * Affected Area: East Washington Central Cascades (Zone 696), East Portion of North Cascades National Park/Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (Zone 697), East Washington North Cascades (Zone 698), Methow Valley (Zone 704), Foothills of Central Washington Cascades (Zone 705), Waterville Plateau (Zone 706) and Western Columbia Basin (Zone 707). * Thunderstorms: Isolated to scattered coverage. A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms with rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch. Locally higher rainfall amounts possible where multiple storms move over the same area. * Outflow Winds: Erratic outflow winds ranging from 20 to 40 mph. * Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New fires could be impacted by gusty outflow winds. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. && $$ WAZ708-161800- /O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0008.260716T1800Z-260717T0600Z/ Eastern Columbia Basin - Palouse - Spokane Area (Zone 708)- 1121 PM PDT Wed Jul 15 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 11 PM PDT THURSDAY FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 708... * Affected Area: Eastern Columbia Basin -Palouse -Spokane Area (Zone 708). * Thunderstorms: Isolated coverage in the late morning and early afternoon becoming isolated to scattered in the late afternoon and evening. A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms with rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch. Locally higher rainfall amounts possible where multiple storms move over the same area. * Outflow Winds: Erratic outflow wind gusts up to 60 mph. * Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New 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. && $$ WAZ699-702-703-161800- /O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0008.260716T1000Z-260717T0600Z/ Okanogan Highlands and Kettle Mountains (Zone 699)- Colville Reservation (Zone 702)-Okanogan Valley (Zone 703)- 1121 PM PDT Wed Jul 15 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 11 PM PDT THURSDAY FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 699, 702, AND 703... * Affected Area: Okanogan Highlands and Kettle Mountains (Zone 699), Colville Reservation (Zone 702) and Okanogan Valley (Zone 703). * Thunderstorms: Isolated to scattered thunderstorms Thursday morning with a second round of storms Thursday afternoon and evening. A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms with rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch. Locally higher rainfall amounts possible where multiple storms move over the same area. * Outflow Winds: Erratic outflow wind gusts Thursday morning up to 30 mph. Outflow wind gusts Thursday afternoon and evening up to 50 mph. * Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New fires could be impacted by gusty outflow winds. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. && $$ WAZ709-161800- /O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0009.260716T2000Z-260717T0600Z/ Lower Palouse - Snake River (Zone 709)- 1121 PM PDT Wed Jul 15 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM TO 11 PM PDT THURSDAY FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 709... * Affected Area: Lower Palouse -Snake River (Zone 709). * Thunderstorms: Isolated to scattered coverage. A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms with rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch. Locally higher rainfall amounts possible where multiple storms move over the same area. * Outflow Winds: Erratic outflow wind gusts up to 60 mph. * Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New 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. && $$
957 WWUS86 KOTX 160823 RFWOTX URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Spokane WA 123 AM PDT Thu Jul 16 2026 ...ISOLATED TO SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY EVENING... .Two rounds of showers and thunderstorms will impact Central and Eastern Washington between Wednesday night and Thursday evening. The first round will track south to north through Central Washington Wednesday night into Thursday morning and will consist of a mix of wet and dry thunderstorms with scattered lightning strikes. Rainfall amounts will generally range from a trace to a tenth of an inch, but may be higher if multiple storms move over the same area. As this activity drifts north of Highway 2 Thursday morning, lightning activity will become isolated. A second round of thunderstorms will track southwest to northeast late Thursday morning into Thursday evening. A few storms could be strong during this time with frequent lightning and hail. Gusty outflow winds and new fire starts will be a concern with any thunderstorms from Wednesday night through Thursday evening. WAZ699-702-703-161800- /O.EXT.KOTX.FW.W.0008.260716T0823Z-260717T0600Z/ Okanogan Highlands and Kettle Mountains (Zone 699)- Colville Reservation (Zone 702)-Okanogan Valley (Zone 703)- 123 AM PDT Thu Jul 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM PDT THIS EVENING FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 699, 702, AND 703... * Affected Area: Okanogan Highlands and Kettle Mountains (Zone 699), Colville Reservation (Zone 702) and Okanogan Valley (Zone 703). * Thunderstorms: Isolated to scattered thunderstorms Thursday morning with a second round of storms Thursday afternoon and evening. A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms with rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch. Locally higher rainfall amounts possible where multiple storms move over the same area. * Outflow Winds: Erratic outflow wind gusts Thursday morning up to 30 mph. Outflow wind gusts Thursday afternoon and evening up to 50 mph. * Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New 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. && $$ WAZ696>698-704>707-161800- /O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260716T1800Z/ East Washington Central Cascades (Zone 696)- East Portion of North Cascades National Park/Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (Zone 697)- East Washington North Cascades (Zone 698)- Methow Valley (Zone 704)- Foothills of Central Washington Cascades (Zone 705)- Waterville Plateau (Zone 706)-Western Columbia Basin (Zone 707)- 123 AM PDT Thu Jul 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM PDT THIS MORNING FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 696, 705, 706, AND 707... * Affected Area: East Washington Central Cascades (Zone 696), East Portion of North Cascades National Park/Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (Zone 697), East Washington North Cascades (Zone 698), Methow Valley (Zone 704), Foothills of Central Washington Cascades (Zone 705), Waterville Plateau (Zone 706) and Western Columbia Basin (Zone 707). * Thunderstorms: Isolated to scattered coverage. A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms with rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch. Locally higher rainfall amounts possible where multiple storms move over the same area. * Outflow Winds: Erratic outflow winds ranging from 20 to 40 mph. * Prevailing Winds: Breezy north winds Thursday morning becoming breezy southeast winds Thursday afternoon with sustained speeds around 10 mph and gusts to 25 mph. * Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New 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. && $$ WAZ701-708-161800- /O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0008.260716T1800Z-260717T0600Z/ Foothills of Northeast Washington (Zone 701)- Eastern Columbia Basin - Palouse - Spokane Area (Zone 708)- 123 AM PDT Thu Jul 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 11 PM PDT THIS EVENING FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 701... * Affected Area: Foothills of Northeast Washington (Zone 701) and Eastern Columbia Basin -Palouse -Spokane Area (Zone 708). * Thunderstorms: Isolated coverage in the late morning and early afternoon becoming isolated to scattered in the late afternoon and evening. A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms with rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch. Locally higher rainfall amounts possible where multiple storms move over the same area. * Outflow Winds: Erratic outflow wind gusts up to 60 mph. * Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New fires could be impacted by gusty outflow winds. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. && $$ WAZ709-161800- /O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0009.260716T2000Z-260717T0600Z/ Lower Palouse - Snake River (Zone 709)- 123 AM PDT Thu Jul 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 11 PM PDT THIS EVENING FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 709... * Affected Area: Lower Palouse -Snake River (Zone 709). * Thunderstorms: Isolated to scattered coverage. A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms with rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch. Locally higher rainfall amounts possible where multiple storms move over the same area. * Outflow Winds: Erratic outflow wind gusts up to 60 mph. * Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New 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. && $$
864 WWUS86 KOTX 161231 RFWOTX URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Spokane WA 531 AM PDT Thu Jul 16 2026 ...ISOLATED TO SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS THROUGH THURSDAY EVENING. ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS THE NORTHERN MOUNTAINS THURSDAY NIGHT... ...GUSTY SOUTHERLY WINDS OKANOGAN AND METHOW VALLEYS FRIDAY... .In Central Washington scattered showers and thunderstorms are tracking through Central WA this morning. This activity is expected become isolated going into the afternoon. Additional showers and storms will redevelop overnight. In Eastern Washington, scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop in the afternoon and track southwest to northeast into Thursday evening. A few storms could be strong during this time with frequent lightning and hail. Gusty outflow winds around 60 mph will be possible with this activity. WAZ704-162045- /O.NEW.KOTX.FW.A.0008.260717T1900Z-260718T0400Z/ /O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260716T1800Z/ Methow Valley (Zone 704)- 531 AM PDT Thu Jul 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM PDT THIS MORNING FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 696, 705, 706, AND 707... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 704... The National Weather Service in Spokane has issued a Fire Weather Watch for wind and low humidity, which is in effect from Friday afternoon through Friday evening. * Affected Area: Methow Valley (Zone 704). * Thunderstorms: Isolated to scattered coverage. A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms with rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch. Locally higher rainfall amounts possible where multiple storms move over the same area. * Outflow Winds: Erratic outflow winds ranging from 20 to 40 mph. * Winds: Thursday: Southeast 8 to 15 mph gusts to 25 mph becoming northwest Thursday evening 10 to 15 mph gusts 25 mph. Erratic winds near showers and thunderstorms. Friday: Southeast 15 to 20 mph gusts 25 to 30 mph. * Humidity: Thursday: 19-25%. Friday: 14-19% * Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New fires could be impacted by gusty outflow winds. Gusty winds and low humidity on Friday could lead to swift fire spread with 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. A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings. && $$ WAZ703-162045- /O.NEW.KOTX.FW.A.0008.260717T1900Z-260718T0400Z/ /O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260717T0600Z/ Okanogan Valley (Zone 703)- 531 AM PDT Thu Jul 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM PDT THIS EVENING FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 699, 702, AND 703... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 703... The National Weather Service in Spokane has issued a Fire Weather Watch for thunderstorms, which is in effect from Friday afternoon through Friday evening. * Affected Area: Okanogan Valley (Zone 703). * Thunderstorms: Isolated to scattered coverage. A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms with rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch. Locally higher rainfall amounts possible where multiple storms move over the same area. * Outflow Winds: Erratic outflow winds ranging from 20 to 40 mph. * Winds: Thursday: North 10 to 20 mph becoming south 10 to 15 mph gusts 25 mph. Erratic winds near showers and thunderstorms. Friday: South 15 to 20 mph gusts 25 to 30 mph. * Humidity: Thursday: 14-20%. Friday: 11-17% * Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New fires could be impacted by gusty outflow winds. Gusty winds and low humidity on Friday could lead to swift fire spread with 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. A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings. && $$ WAZ701-708-162045- /O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0008.260716T1800Z-260717T0600Z/ Foothills of Northeast Washington (Zone 701)- Eastern Columbia Basin - Palouse - Spokane Area (Zone 708)- 531 AM PDT Thu Jul 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 11 PM PDT THIS EVENING FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 701... * Affected Area: Foothills of Northeast Washington (Zone 701) and Eastern Columbia Basin -Palouse -Spokane Area (Zone 708). * Thunderstorms: Isolated coverage in the late morning and early afternoon becoming isolated to scattered in the late afternoon and evening. A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms. Locally higher rainfall amounts with stronger thunderstorms in the late afternoon and early evening. * Outflow Winds: Erratic outflow wind gusts up to 60 mph in the late afternoon and evening. * Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New fires could be impacted by gusty outflow winds. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. && $$ WAZ696>698-705>707-161800- /O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260716T1800Z/ East Washington Central Cascades (Zone 696)- East Portion of North Cascades National Park/Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (Zone 697)- East Washington North Cascades (Zone 698)- Foothills of Central Washington Cascades (Zone 705)- Waterville Plateau (Zone 706)-Western Columbia Basin (Zone 707)- 531 AM PDT Thu Jul 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM PDT THIS MORNING FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 696, 705, 706, AND 707... * Affected Area: East Washington Central Cascades (Zone 696), East Portion of North Cascades National Park/Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (Zone 697), East Washington North Cascades (Zone 698), Foothills of Central Washington Cascades (Zone 705), Waterville Plateau (Zone 706) and Western Columbia Basin (Zone 707). * Thunderstorms: Isolated to scattered coverage. A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms with rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch. Locally higher rainfall amounts possible where multiple storms move over the same area. * Outflow Winds: Erratic outflow winds ranging from 20 to 40 mph. * Prevailing Winds: Breezy north winds Thursday morning becoming breezy southeast winds Thursday afternoon with sustained speeds around 10 mph and gusts to 25 mph. * Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New 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. && $$ WAZ699-702-162045- /O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260717T0600Z/ Okanogan Highlands and Kettle Mountains (Zone 699)- Colville Reservation (Zone 702)- 531 AM PDT Thu Jul 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM PDT THIS EVENING FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 699, 702, AND 703... * Affected Area: Okanogan Highlands and Kettle Mountains (Zone 699) and Colville Reservation (Zone 702). * Thunderstorms: Isolated to scattered coverage. A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms with rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch. Locally higher rainfall amounts possible where multiple storms move over the same area. * Outflow Winds: Erratic outflow winds ranging from 20 to 40 mph. * Prevailing Winds: Breezy north winds Thursday morning becoming breezy southeast winds Thursday afternoon with sustained speeds around 10 mph and gusts to 25 mph. * Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New fires could be impacted by gusty outflow winds. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. && $$ WAZ709-162045- /O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0009.260716T2000Z-260717T0600Z/ Lower Palouse - Snake River (Zone 709)- 531 AM PDT Thu Jul 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 11 PM PDT THIS EVENING FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 709... * Affected Area: Lower Palouse -Snake River (Zone 709). * Thunderstorms: Isolated to scattered coverage. A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms with rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch. Locally higher rainfall amounts possible where multiple storms move over the same area. * Outflow Winds: Erratic outflow wind gusts up to 60 mph. * Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New 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. && $$
093 WWUS86 KOTX 161756 RFWOTX URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Spokane WA 1056 AM PDT Thu Jul 16 2026 ...ISOLATED TO SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS THROUGH THURSDAY EVENING. ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS THE NORTHERN MOUNTAINS THURSDAY NIGHT... ...GUSTY SOUTHERLY WINDS OKANOGAN AND METHOW VALLEYS FRIDAY... .In Central Washington scattered showers and thunderstorms are tracking through Central WA this morning. This activity is expected become isolated going into the afternoon. Additional showers and storms will redevelop overnight. In Eastern Washington, scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop in the afternoon and track southwest to northeast into the evening. A few storms could be strong during this time with frequent lightning and hail. Gusty outflow winds around 60 mph will be possible with this activity. WAZ707-161900- /O.CAN.KOTX.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260716T1800Z/ Western Columbia Basin (Zone 707)- 1056 AM PDT Thu Jul 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING IS CANCELLED FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 707... The National Weather Service in Spokane has cancelled the Red Flag Warning. Thunderstorms from the overnight and early morning hours have dissipated or shifted away from the zone. An isolated thunderstorm may be possible through tonight, though coverage is expected to be sparse enough such that Red Flag Warning conditions are not expected. $$ IDZ101-WAZ700-170600- /O.EXB.KOTX.FW.W.0008.260716T1800Z-260717T1800Z/ Northern and Central Idaho Panhandle (Zone 101)- Selkirk Mountains of Northeast Washington (Zone 700)- 1056 AM PDT Thu Jul 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM PDT FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 101 AND 700... The National Weather Service in Spokane has issued a Red Flag Warning for thunderstorms, which is in effect until 11 AM PDT Friday. * Affected Area: Northern and Central Idaho Panhandle (Zone 101) and Selkirk Mountains of Northeast Washington (Zone 700). * Thunderstorms: Isolated thunderstorms will be possible through the early afternoon. A round of wet and dry thunderstorms is then expected mid to late afternoon, with additional isolated to scattered thunderstorms possible overnight 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: Erratic and gusty thunderstorm outflow winds up to 35 mph will be possible through the early afternoon. Outflow gusts of 60 mph will be possible mid afternoon through this evening. * 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. && $$ WAZ704-170600- /O.EXT.KOTX.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260717T1200Z/ /O.CON.KOTX.FW.A.0008.260717T1900Z-260718T0400Z/ Methow Valley (Zone 704)- 1056 AM PDT Thu Jul 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM PDT FRIDAY FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 704... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING FOR LOW HUMIDITY AND GUSTY WINDS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 704... * Affected Area: Methow Valley (Zone 704). * Thunderstorms: Isolated to scattered coverage. A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms with rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch. Locally higher rainfall amounts possible where multiple storms move over the same area. * Outflow Winds: Erratic outflow winds ranging from 20 to 40 mph. * Prevailing Winds: Breezy north winds late this morning becoming breezy southeast winds this afternoon with sustained speeds around 10 mph and gusts to 25 mph. Breezy south to southeast winds increase Friday afternoon with gusts 25 to 30 mph. * Humidity: Thursday: 18-23%. Friday: 14-19% * Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New fires could be impacted by gusty outflow winds. Gusty winds and low humidity on Friday could lead to swift fire spread with new or ongoing fires. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings. && $$ WAZ703-170600- /O.EXT.KOTX.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260717T1800Z/ /O.CON.KOTX.FW.A.0008.260717T1900Z-260718T0400Z/ Okanogan Valley (Zone 703)- 1056 AM PDT Thu Jul 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM PDT FRIDAY FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 703... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING FOR LOW HUMIDITY AND GUSTY WINDS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 703... * Affected Area: Okanogan Valley (Zone 703). * Thunderstorms: Isolated to scattered coverage. A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms with rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch. Locally higher rainfall amounts possible where multiple storms move over the same area. * Outflow Winds: Erratic outflow winds ranging from 20 to 40 mph. * Prevailing Winds: Breezy north winds late this morning becoming breezy southeast winds this afternoon with sustained speeds around 10 mph and gusts to 25 mph. Breezy south to southeast winds increase Friday afternoon with gusts 25 to 30 mph. * Humidity: Thursday: 18-23%. Friday: 13-18% * Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New fires could be impacted by gusty outflow winds. Gusty winds and low humidity on Friday could lead to swift fire spread with 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. A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings. && $$ WAZ696>698-705-706-170600- /O.EXT.KOTX.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260717T1200Z/ East Washington Central Cascades (Zone 696)- East Portion of North Cascades National Park/Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (Zone 697)- East Washington North Cascades (Zone 698)- Foothills of Central Washington Cascades (Zone 705)- Waterville Plateau (Zone 706)- 1056 AM PDT Thu Jul 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM PDT FRIDAY FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 696, 697, 698, 705, AND 706... * Affected Area: East Washington Central Cascades (Zone 696), East Portion of North Cascades National Park/Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (Zone 697), East Washington North Cascades (Zone 698), Foothills of Central Washington Cascades (Zone 705) and Waterville Plateau (Zone 706). * Thunderstorms: Isolated to scattered coverage. A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms with rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch. Locally higher rainfall amounts possible where multiple storms move over the same area. * Outflow Winds: Erratic outflow winds ranging from 20 to 40 mph. * Winds: Today: Southeast 8 to 15 mph gusts to 25 mph becoming northwest this evening 10 to 15 mph gusts 25 mph. Erratic winds near showers and thunderstorms. Friday: Southeast 15 to 20 mph gusts 25 to 30 mph. * Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New or existing fires could be impacted by gusty outflow winds. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. && $$ WAZ699-702-170600- /O.EXT.KOTX.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260717T1800Z/ Okanogan Highlands and Kettle Mountains (Zone 699)- Colville Reservation (Zone 702)- 1056 AM PDT Thu Jul 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM PDT FRIDAY FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 699 AND 702... * Affected Area: Okanogan Highlands and Kettle Mountains (Zone 699) and Colville Reservation (Zone 702). * Thunderstorms: Isolated to scattered coverage. A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms with rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch. Locally higher rainfall amounts possible where multiple storms move over the same area. * Outflow Winds: Erratic outflow winds ranging from 20 to 40 mph. * Prevailing Winds: Breezy southeast winds this afternoon with sustained speeds around 10 mph and gusts to 25 mph. * Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New or 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. && $$ WAZ701-708-170600- /O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0008.260716T1800Z-260717T0600Z/ Foothills of Northeast Washington (Zone 701)- Eastern Columbia Basin - Palouse - Spokane Area (Zone 708)- 1056 AM PDT Thu Jul 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM PDT THIS EVENING FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 701 AND 708... * Affected Area: Foothills of Northeast Washington (Zone 701) and Eastern Columbia Basin -Palouse -Spokane Area (Zone 708). * Thunderstorms: Isolated coverage early this afternoon becoming isolated to scattered in the late afternoon and evening. A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms. Locally higher rainfall amounts with stronger thunderstorms in the late afternoon and early evening. * Outflow Winds: Erratic outflow wind gusts up to 60 mph in the late afternoon and evening. * Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New fires could be impacted by gusty outflow winds. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. && $$ WAZ709-170600- /O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0009.260716T2000Z-260717T0600Z/ Lower Palouse - Snake River (Zone 709)- 1056 AM PDT Thu Jul 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM PDT THIS EVENING FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 709... * Affected Area: Lower Palouse -Snake River (Zone 709). * Thunderstorms: Isolated to scattered coverage. A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms with rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch. Locally higher rainfall amounts possible where multiple storms move over the same area. * Outflow Winds: Erratic outflow wind gusts up to 60 mph. * Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New 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. && $$
468 WWUS86 KOTX 170350 RFWOTX URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Spokane WA 850 PM PDT Thu Jul 16 2026 ...ISOLATED TO SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS MUCH OF THE INLAND NORTHWEST THURSDAY NIGHT... ...GUSTY SOUTHERLY WINDS OKANOGAN, METHOW VALLEYS FRIDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING... ...GUSTY SOUTHERLY WINDS WATERVILLE PLATEAU FRIDAY AFTERNOON SHIFTING TO WESTERLY IN THE EVENING... .Additional showers and storms will redevelop tonight for much of the Inland Northwest. Gusty outflow winds around 30 mph will be possible with this activity. Rainfall amounts up to a tenth of an inch are possible, with locally higher amounts where multiple storms move over the same area. Dry and breezy conditions will develop in portions of central Washington Friday afternoon. A sharp wind shift from south to west will impact the Waterville Plateau Friday evening. WAZ696-705-170500- /O.CAN.KOTX.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260717T1200Z/ East Washington Central Cascades (Zone 696)- Foothills of Central Washington Cascades (Zone 705)- 850 PM PDT Thu Jul 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING IS CANCELLED FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 696 AND 705... The National Weather Service in Spokane has cancelled the Red Flag Warning. Isolated shower and thunderstorm coverage is possible overnight (10-15% chance) but confidence is too low to continue the Red Flag Warning. $$ WAZ703-171600- /O.UPG.KOTX.FW.A.0008.260717T1900Z-260718T0400Z/ /O.NEW.KOTX.FW.W.0010.260717T1900Z-260718T0400Z/ /O.EXT.KOTX.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260717T1400Z/ Okanogan Valley (Zone 703)- 850 PM PDT Thu Jul 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM PDT FRIDAY FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 703... ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 9 PM PDT FRIDAY WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 703... The National Weather Service in Spokane has issued a Red Flag Warning for thunderstorms, which is in effect from noon to 9 PM PDT Friday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. * Affected Area: Okanogan Valley (Zone 703). * Thunderstorms: Scattered thunderstorms possible overnight 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. * Prevailing Winds Friday Afternoon and Evening: Breezy south winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. * Humidity: 13 to 19 percent Friday afternoon. * Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New and existing fires could be impacted by gusty thunderstorm outflow winds tonight into Friday morning. 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. && $$ WAZ704-171600- /O.UPG.KOTX.FW.A.0008.260717T1900Z-260718T0400Z/ /O.NEW.KOTX.FW.W.0010.260717T1900Z-260718T0400Z/ /O.EXT.KOTX.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260717T1400Z/ Methow Valley (Zone 704)- 850 PM PDT Thu Jul 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM PDT FRIDAY FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 704... ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 9 PM PDT FRIDAY FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 704... The National Weather Service in Spokane has issued a Red Flag Warning for thunderstorms, which is in effect from noon to 9 PM PDT Friday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. * Affected Area: Methow Valley (Zone 703). * Thunderstorms: Scattered thunderstorms possible overnight into Friday morning. Rainfall amounts up to a tenth of an inch possible, with locally higher amounts where multiple storms move over the same area. * Outflow Winds: Gusty and erratic thunderstorm outflow winds up to 30 mph will be possible through Friday morning. * Prevailing Winds Friday Afternoon and Evening: Breezy southeast winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. * Humidity: 13 to 19 percent Friday afternoon. * Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New and existing fires could be impacted by gusty thunderstorm outflow winds tonight into Friday morning. Gusty winds and low humidity Friday afternoon may lead to rapid fire spread with any new or ongoing fires. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. && $$ WAZ706-171600- /O.NEW.KOTX.FW.W.0010.260717T1900Z-260718T0600Z/ /O.EXT.KOTX.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260717T1400Z/ Waterville Plateau (Zone 706)- 850 PM PDT Thu Jul 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM PDT FRIDAY FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 706... ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 11 PM PDT FRIDAY FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 706... The National Weather Service in Spokane has issued a Red Flag Warning for thunderstorms, which is in effect from noon to 11 PM PDT Friday. * Affected Area: Waterville Plateau (Zone 706). * Thunderstorms: Scattered thunderstorms possible overnight 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. * Prevailing Winds Friday Afternoon and Evening: 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. * Humidity: 10 to 18 percent Friday afternoon. * Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New and existing fires could be impacted by gusty thunderstorm outflow winds tonight into Friday morning. 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. && $$ WAZ701-708-171400- /O.EXT.KOTX.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260717T1400Z/ Foothills of Northeast Washington (Zone 701)- Eastern Columbia Basin - Palouse - Spokane Area (Zone 708)- 850 PM PDT Thu Jul 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM PDT FRIDAY FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 701 AND 708... * Affected Area: Foothills of Northeast Washington (Zone 701) and Eastern Columbia Basin -Palouse -Spokane Area (Zone 708). * Thunderstorms: Isolated to scattered thunderstorms possible overnight into Friday morning. Rainfall amounts up to a tenth of an inch possible, with locally higher amounts where multiple storms move over the same area. * Outflow Winds: Gusty and erratic thunderstorm outflow winds up to 30 mph will be possible through Friday morning. * Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New and existing fires could be impacted by gusty outflow winds. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. && $$ WAZ697-698-171400- /O.EXT.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)- 850 PM PDT Thu Jul 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM PDT FRIDAY 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 to scattered thunderstorms possible overnight 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. && $$ WAZ699-702-171400- /O.EXT.KOTX.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260717T1400Z/ Okanogan Highlands and Kettle Mountains (Zone 699)- Colville Reservation (Zone 702)- 850 PM PDT Thu Jul 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM PDT FRIDAY FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 699 AND 702... * Affected Area: Okanogan Highlands and Kettle Mountains (Zone 699) and Colville Reservation (Zone 702). * Thunderstorms: Scattered thunderstorms possible overnight into Friday morning. Rainfall amounts up to a tenth of an inch possible, with locally higher amounts where multiple storms move over the same area. * Outflow Winds: Gusty and erratic thunderstorm outflow winds up to 30 mph will be possible through Friday morning. * Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New and existing fires could be impacted by gusty outflow winds. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. && $$ WAZ709-171200- /O.EXT.KOTX.FW.W.0009.000000T0000Z-260717T1200Z/ Lower Palouse - Snake River (Zone 709)- 850 PM PDT Thu Jul 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM PDT FRIDAY FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 709... * Affected Area: Lower Palouse -Snake River (Zone 709). * Thunderstorms: Isolated to scattered thunderstorms possible overnight 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. && $$ IDZ101-WAZ700-171600- /O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260717T1800Z/ Northern and Central Idaho Panhandle (Zone 101)- Selkirk Mountains of Northeast Washington (Zone 700)- 850 PM PDT Thu Jul 16 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM PDT FRIDAY FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 101 AND 700... * Affected Area: Northern and Central Idaho Panhandle (Zone 101) and Selkirk Mountains of Northeast Washington (Zone 700). * Thunderstorms: Scattered thunderstorms possible overnight into Friday morning. Rainfall amounts up to a tenth of an inch possible, with locally higher amounts where multiple storms move over the same area. * Outflow Winds: Gusty and erratic thunderstorm outflow winds up to 30 mph will be possible through Friday morning. * Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New and existing fires could be impacted by gusty outflow winds. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. && $$
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. && $$ IDZ101-WAZ700-171800- /O.CON.KOTX.FW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260717T1800Z/ Northern and Central Idaho Panhandle (Zone 101)- Selkirk Mountains of Northeast Washington (Zone 700)- 517 AM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM PDT THIS MORNING FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 101 AND 700... * Affected Area: Northern and Central Idaho Panhandle (Zone 101) and Selkirk Mountains of Northeast Washington (Zone 700). * Thunderstorms: Scattered thunderstorms into Friday morning. Rainfall amounts up to a tenth of an inch possible, with locally higher amounts where multiple storms move over the same area. * Outflow Winds: Gusty and erratic thunderstorm outflow winds up to 30 mph will be possible through Friday morning. * Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New and existing fires could be impacted by gusty outflow winds. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. && $$
What forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before this red flag warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Spokane, WA wrote its last area forecast discussion before this red flag warning went out at Jul 15, 5:40 PM PDT, 3 hours 30 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- Hot and unstable conditions again on Thursday. Widespread highs in the mid to upper 90s with isolated triple digits.
- A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms Wednesday Night and Thursday bringing lightning, hail potential, and gusty winds.
- Hot and dry conditions return early next week.
Area forecast discussion, Jul 15, 5:40 PM PDT, 3 hours 30 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Spokane WA
540 PM PDT Wed Jul 15 2026
.KEY MESSAGES...
- Hot and unstable conditions again on Thursday. Widespread
highs in the mid to upper 90s with isolated triple digits.
- A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms Wednesday Night and
Thursday bringing lightning, hail potential, and gusty winds.
- Hot and dry conditions return early next week.
&&
.SYNOPSIS...
Hot and unstable conditions, low humidity, lightning potential,
and periodic gusty winds will maintain elevated to critical
fire weather conditions across portions of Central and Eastern
Washington through at least Thursday. Hot and dry weather
returns early next week.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
Tonight through Thursday Night: A low spinning off the WA/OR
coast is proving an unstable south to southwest flow over the
region. With only weak forcing present through the early
evening, any shower or thunderstorm development is expected to
be tied to the mountains with the best instability along the
East Slopes of the Cascades. For tonight attention turns to a
mid level wave over Oregon that will lift north overnight.
Increasing lift associated with this wave, combined with mid
level moisture and instability will be favorable for shower and
thunderstorm development, with the highest coverage over Central
WA where the best lift will reside. With 700-500mb MUCAPE values
of 200-500 J/KG, isolated thunderstorms are expected to develop
except for scattered coverage in Central WA with the higher
forcing. With the dry fuels, any lightning will raise concerns
for new fire starts. Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches
remain in place. With precipitable water values increasing to
150-175 percent of normal storms are expected to have rain,
although the fast movement will likely limit amounts to a tenth
of an inch or less.
As this wave exits into British Columbia Thursday morning, another
wave is progged by the models to move over the northern
mountains Thursday afternoon, while an axis of higher
instability is found over NE Oregon into the ID Panhandle. This
wave has the potential to bring stronger storms as 700-500mb MU
CAPE values increase to 500-1000 J/KG and 0-6km shear values of
40-45 kts. DCAPE values of around 1500 J/KG may also lead to
strong to locally severe downdraft winds from storms over SE
Washington into the ID Panhandle (including Spokane area) with
several CAM's models showing this potential. SPC has placed the
ID Panhandle and portions of Eastern Washington in a marginal
risk for severe thunderstorms. This wave exits the region
Thursday evening, although with the closed low off the WA coast
an axis of mid level instability lingers over Eastern WA into
the ID Panhandle which may allow for some storms to linger into
the overnight hours. With all this in mind will be monitoring
lightning potential closely for areas further east not currently
in watches or warnings.
Friday: As the closed low moves north over Vancouver Island, a
mid level dry slot tracks across Central and Eastern Washington
bringing drier air and locally breezy winds. This may allow for
fire growth on any new or existing fires. A few storms may
linger over the ID Panhandle and NE Washington otherwise Friday
will be quieter on the convective front.
Saturday through Wednesday: The low over Vancouver Island pushes
east allowing for a dry westerly flow to move over the region
this weekend. On Monday the pattern changes again as another low
develops off the coast with south-southwest flow drawing in
increased mid level moisture and instability by Monday Night
into Tuesday. This may again raise fire weather concerns from
thunderstorms.
Temperatures over the next 7 days will fluctuate some with 90s
prevailing for most of the period. For today and Thursday an
added couple degrees with some areas near the triple digits has
led to an issuance of a Heat Advisory due to moderate to locally
major HeatRisk. JW
&&
.AVIATION...
00Z TAFS: High confidence for VFR conditions across Eastern WA
and North Idaho. Showers and thunderstorms can be seen on radar
over the Cascades and northern mountains. A 10-20% chance of
showers and thunderstorms persists for these areas into the
evening. The greatest risk will be until 03z. Confidence on a
shower or storm impacting terminals is low. Later tonight, the
chances for thunderstorms increase to 30% after 06z across
Central Washington (KEAT/KMWH), 20% after 09z for SE Washington
and Lewiston area (KPUW/KLWS), and 20% after 12z for NE
Washington and the ID Panhandle (KGEG/KSFF/KCOE).
FORECAST CONFIDENCE AND/OR ALTERNATE SCENARIOS:
High confidence for VFR conditions for the area. Confidence is
low on showers or thunderstorms impacting any terminals.
-----------------------
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 60 97 62 91 59 91 / 0 20 20 10 0 0
Coeur d'Alene 62 97 64 91 61 90 / 0 20 30 10 10 0
Pullman 55 94 55 86 53 86 / 10 20 20 0 0 0
Lewiston 65 100 66 94 64 95 / 20 30 20 10 10 0
Colville 57 97 59 92 55 91 / 0 30 40 20 0 0
Sandpoint 59 95 61 91 59 89 / 0 20 30 20 0 0
Kellogg 58 94 61 89 59 87 / 0 20 30 10 10 0
Moses Lake 66 99 62 93 59 93 / 30 30 10 0 0 0
Wenatchee 72 96 66 93 65 92 / 70 50 10 0 0 0
Omak 68 96 68 95 62 94 / 10 40 50 10 0 0
&&
.OTX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
WA...Heat Advisory from noon to 9 PM PDT Thursday for Lower
Garfield and Asotin Counties-Spokane Area-Washington
Palouse.
Heat Advisory until 9 PM PDT Thursday for Moses Lake Area-
Okanogan Valley-Upper Columbia Basin-Waterville Plateau-
Wenatchee Area.
Red Flag Warning from 1 AM to 11 AM PDT Thursday 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)-Western Columbia Basin (Zone 707).
Fire Weather Watch from Thursday morning through Thursday
evening for Colville Reservation (Zone 702)-Okanogan
Highlands and Kettle Mountains (Zone 699)-Okanogan Valley
(Zone 703).
ID...Heat Advisory from noon to 9 PM PDT Thursday for Coeur d'Alene
Area-Idaho Palouse-Lewis and Southern Nez Perce Counties-
Lewiston Area.
&&In the hours before
Special weather statement, Jul 15, 4:18 PM PDT, 4 hours 52 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Spokane WA
418 PM PDT Wed Jul 15 2026
WAZ037-038-152345-
Northeast Mountains WA-Okanogan Highlands WA-
418 PM PDT Wed Jul 15 2026
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northwestern Stevens
and northeastern Ferry Counties through 445 PM PDT...
At 417 PM PDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 13
miles northeast of Sherman Pass, or 61 miles east of Omak, moving
east at 5 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and nickel size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Boyds and Davis Lake.
This includes U.S. Highway 395 in Washington between mile markers 248
and 249.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 4868 11835 4878 11841 4886 11821 4870 11811
TIME...MOT...LOC 2317Z 253DEG 6KT 4875 11827
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
VTSpecial weather statement, Jul 15, 4:46 PM PDT, 4 hours 24 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Spokane WA
446 PM PDT Wed Jul 15 2026
WAZ037-038-160015-
Northeast Mountains WA-Okanogan Highlands WA-
446 PM PDT Wed Jul 15 2026
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of north central
Stevens and eastern Ferry Counties through 515 PM PDT...
At 446 PM PDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 16
miles northwest of Colville, or 66 miles northwest of Priest River,
moving east at 15 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Marcus, Boyds, and Evans.
This includes U.S. Highway 395 in Washington between mile markers 245
and 256.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 4868 11822 4881 11823 4886 11791 4865 11791
TIME...MOT...LOC 2346Z 268DEG 15KT 4875 11809
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
VTLocal storm report, Jul 15, 5:51 PM PDT, 3 hours 19 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Spokane WA
551 PM PDT Wed Jul 15 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0322 PM Hail 3 NW Malo 48.83N 118.65W
07/15/2026 M0.75 Inch Ferry WA Public
Report from mPING: Dime (0.75 in.).
&&Special weather statement, Jul 15, 5:56 PM PDT, 3 hours 14 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Spokane WA
556 PM PDT Wed Jul 15 2026
WAZ049-160130-
Western Okanogan County WA-
556 PM PDT Wed Jul 15 2026
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of west central
Okanogan County through 630 PM PDT...
At 556 PM PDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 21
miles northeast of Stehekin, or 35 miles west of Omak, moving
northeast at 15 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and half inch hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Winthrop, Nice Campground, Memorial Campground, and Flat Campground.
This includes U.S. Highway 20 in Washington between mile markers 182
and 198.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 4835 12020 4842 12045 4868 12033 4856 12001
TIME...MOT...LOC 0056Z 204DEG 15KT 4850 12028
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
VTThe office that day
Everything else NWS Spokane, WA issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 15, 5:56 PM PDT | Special Weather Statement | OTX | Okanogan | 34 min |
| Jul 15, 11:05 PM PDT | Special Weather Statement | OTX | Adams | 40 min |
| Jul 16, 5:31 AM PDT | Fire Weather Watch | OTX | Douglas, Okanogan | 15 hr |
| Jul 16, 8:22 AM PDT | Special Weather Statement | OTX | Whitman | 38 min |
Nearby
Red Flag Warnings in Washington, 2026Every red flag warning in 2026
Sources
The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.