Red flag warning issued for Eastern Columbia Basin / Palouse / Spokane area for Thursday
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The NWS Spokane WA released a red flag warning at 9:10 p.m. on Wednesday valid for Thursday between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. for Eastern Columbia Basin / Palouse / Spokane area.
"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. The National Weather Service in Spokane has issued a Red Flag Warning for thunderstorms, which is in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. 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," describes the NWS.
This warning is in effect until Thursday at 11 p.m.
What does a red flag warning indicate?
A red flag warning means that extreme fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly, according to the NWS. Warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire spreading rapidly.
What should you do under a red flag warning?
A red flag warning demands vigilance and immediate readiness to respond to potential fires. The NWS provides these vital guidelines to minimize fire hazards and ensure your safety:
1. Bolster burn barrel safety:
In areas where controlled burning is sanctioned, make certain that burn barrels sport a weighty metal cover, equipped with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.
2. Mindful disposal of smoking materials:
Never discard lit cigarette butts outside, and avoid tossing cigarettes or matches from a moving vehicle. These seemingly small actions can lead to dry grass ignition, potentially sparking a wildfire.
3. Prudent fire extinguishing practices:
To safeguard against accidental fires, diligently extinguish all outdoor fires. Drown them with an ample amount of water and stir to confirm that everything is cold to the touch. Submerge charcoal in water until it's thoroughly cooled. Never dispose of live charcoal on the ground.
4. Never leave fires unattended:
Avoid abandoning any fire without supervision. Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.
Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in mitigating the risk of wildfires during these perilous conditions. Prioritize safety, stay well-informed, and act responsibly to safeguard lives and property.
Source: The National Weather Service
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This story was originally published July 15, 2026 at 9:14 PM.