Red Flag Warning: North Central Washington faces extreme fire risk as temperatures soar

WENATCHEE—North Central Washington braces for heightened fire danger as the National Weather Service in Spokane issues a Red Flag Warning for Sunday, July 21. The warning covers the Central and Northern Cascades of Washington, including the Methow Valley and foothills, and is in effect from noon to 10 p.m.

Meteorologists predict a potentially volatile combination of hot, dry, and unstable conditions that could significantly increase the risk of wildfires in the region. 

The affected areas include Fire Weather Zones 696, 697, 698, 704, and 705, encompassing the East Washington Central Cascades, portions of North Cascades National Park, Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, and the Methow Valley.

Relative humidity is forecasted to drop dangerously low, ranging from 7 to 16 percent in the valleys and 16 to 24 percent over higher terrain. Winds are expected to shift from southeast to west or northwest during the day, with speeds of 10 to 15 mph by late afternoon.

Of particular concern is the 10 to 15% chance of thunderstorms late Sunday afternoon into Sunday night, which could bring localized wind gusts of up to 30 mph. These conditions may lead to rapid fire spread and potentially overwhelm initial attack capabilities.

The National Weather Service warns that unstable conditions could lead to plume-dominated fires, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance and preparedness among residents and fire management teams in North Central Washington.