SPOKANE, Wash. — The triple-digit heat we're experiencing this week will likely be among the hottest days we get for the entirety of 2024.
Wednesday's forecasted highs in Spokane will be around 104°, and central Washington will be close to 110° in some locations. To make matters worse, breezy winds will severely increase fire danger for the region.
A Fire Weather Watch goes into effect on Wednesday for all of central Washington and the Okanogan Valley. The Watch will be upgraded to a Red Flag Warning by Wednesday morning. This is because of the extremely dry and breezy conditions in across the Inland Northwest. While wind gusts will be around 25 mph, perhaps up to 35mph, the relative humidity will be as low as 8%. That's on top of the record-breaking heat above 105° that will make for rather extreme fire danger for the region.
The wind is technically coming from a passing cold front. I say "technically" because the cold front will only knock temperatures down to the mid to upper 90s, which is still very hot. The front itself is supplying the winds which is noteworthy. It is common in the summertime for the final day of a heat wave to come with the highest fire danger due to that cold front, even if temperatures aren't all that much colder, or if the front even has any rain accompanying it.
When: Fire Weather Watch / Red Flag Warning
Impact: High fire danger for Central Washington
Need to Know: All burn bans and restrictions should be followed, as wildfires can spread quickly in these types of dry and windy weather conditions.
WATCH RELATED: Local firefighters' tips to heat safety.
