dpThunderstorms capable of producing frequent lightning are possible generally north of White Pass in the Cascades and in the Olympics.
SEATTLE — A Red Flag Warning is in effect due to the possibility of high fire danger for the Olympics and western slopes of the north and central Cascades.
The National Weather Service issued the warning because “critical fire weather conditions are either imminent or occurring now.” The warning expires at 11 p.m. Thursday.
The Red Flag Warning replaces a Fire Weather Watch, which is issued up to 72 hours before conditions are expected to occur.
Scattered thunderstorms will be possible in the mountains early Thursday morning and in the afternoon and evening, according to the weather service. Storms that develop have the capability of producing winds of 35-50 miles per hour.
KING 5 has activated First Alert for this weather event, which could affect lives, property or travel in the Pacific Northwest region. During this event, the First Alert Weather Team will bring you the latest information to keep you and your family safe.
After western Washington sees highs dip to the mid-70s Thursday, temperatures are expected to start increasing Friday. By the weekend, temperatures are forecast to be in the low 80s.
“Very warm weather Friday into next week increases the chances of increased fire activity on potential new starts from Thursday`s lightning activity,” the National Weather Service reported.
If a fire begins, the weather service said air quality could diminish in the surrounding area.
There are currently two large wildfires burning on state land: the 537-acre Ryegrass Coulee Fire and the 2,762-acre B and O Fire.
