Weather & Fuels

Red Flag Warnings are in effect across much of eastern Oregon, central and eastern Washington, and parts of Idaho, with humidity dropping to 5-15% and gusts to 30 mph. Dry thunderstorms from monsoonal moisture are driving new fire starts across the Inland Northwest.

Red Flag Warnings are in effect across southern and eastern Oregon and parts of Washington and Idaho, with dry lightning, low humidity, and gusty winds creating dangerous conditions for new wildfire starts. Three new large fires were confirmed in the Northwest on July 9 alone following dry thunderstorm activity.

Dangerous fire weather conditions — including Red Flag Warnings, humidity values as low as 10%, and wind gusts up to 50 mph — are driving rapid fire growth and new ignitions across Central and Eastern Washington, Eastern Oregon, and Southern Idaho.

Red flag warnings cover parts of southern and eastern Oregon, with the Columbia River Gorge and Kittitas Valley seeing gusts to 40 mph. Dry thunderstorms threaten new ignitions across the region through mid-week.

The NWS Pendleton office has issued Red Flag Warnings through Tuesday evening across eastern Oregon and the Columbia Basin, citing 7-20% humidity, potential 50 mph gusts, and dry lightning — a dangerous combination with fires already burning.

NIFC's July–October seasonal outlook elevates northwest Washington and west-central Oregon to above-normal wildfire risk, citing drought, early fuel curing, and warmer-than-normal June temperatures. An active summer lies ahead.

NIFC's latest seasonal outlook raises west-central Oregon to above-normal fire risk for July while northwest Washington remains elevated. Dry thunderstorms, critically low humidity, and above-normal temperatures are driving dangerous fire weather conditions across the Pacific Northwest this week.

The National Weather Service issued Red Flag Warnings for July 4 covering the Okanogan Valley, Central Washington Cascades slopes, and Colville Reservation, as breezy westerly winds and single-digit to 20% relative humidity create explosive fire conditions across the Pacific Northwest.

NIFC is forecasting above-normal significant fire potential across the Pacific Northwest through at least July and into August, driven by low snowpack, drought, early fuel curing, and a persistent high-pressure pattern. The July 4th weekend brings elevated ignition risk.

A strengthening high-pressure ridge, curing grasses, and the ignition hazards of Fourth of July celebrations are combining to create elevated wildfire risk across the Pacific Northwest this holiday weekend. Fire officials are urging extreme caution with campfires, fireworks, and any spark-producing activities.

A Red Flag Warning has been in effect for Eastern Washington and Northern Oregon, with gusts reaching 35-45 mph in the Kittitas Valley. Drought, low snowpack, and above-average temperatures are setting the stage for an active fire season across the Pacific Northwest.

Dangerous fire weather with winds up to 45 mph and humidity as low as 3% is gripping the Four Corners region. While the Pacific Northwest has cooler temps temporarily, an active pattern is expected to develop through the holiday weekend.

A powerful early-summer trough has split the country's fire weather in two: the Southwest is experiencing historically rare June conditions with winds gusting 30-60 mph and humidity as low as 5%, while the Pacific Northwest sees rain, cooler temps, and even mountain snow.

July 4th is the highest human-caused wildfire ignition day of the year, and 2026 conditions are especially dangerous. With Red Flag Warnings, critically dry fuels, and a building heat dome in place, fire agencies across the Pacific Northwest urge caution with fireworks, campfires, and vehicle use.

Red Flag Warnings are persisting across Eastern Washington as a dangerous heat wave builds ahead of July 4th. Wind gusts of 30–45 mph and humidity as low as 10–20% are creating extreme fire spread conditions across the Columbia Basin, Okanogan Valley, and Spokane area.

Red Flag Warnings covering large portions of Eastern Washington reflect a dangerous combination of gusty winds, critically low humidity, and unusually dry fuels for late June — setting the stage for rapid fire spread with any new ignition.

Red Flag Warnings are in effect across Eastern Washington and Northern Oregon as gusty winds, low humidity, and parched fuels create extreme wildfire conditions this weekend.

Red Flag Warnings are in effect across eastern Oregon (Baker, Malheur, Harney counties) and Washington (Columbia Basin, Kittitas Valley) as gusts of 25–45 mph combine with low humidity and dry fuels.

A dangerous fire weather pattern combining dry thunderstorms, erratic outflow winds exceeding 60 mph, and extreme heat is affecting the Pacific Northwest and Intermountain West. EXTREME fire danger is in effect for Central Oregon, and forecasters warn of additional new fire starts from dry lightning.

Red Flag Warnings have been issued across the Columbia Basin of Oregon and central Washington, while Central Oregon federal lands have reached EXTREME fire danger — the highest possible rating. A dominant high pressure ridge is keeping conditions hot, dry, and windy through the end of June.