Updated: Watch for thunderstorms in the Tri-Cities. Red flag fire warning issued

Summer thunderstorms are possible Wednesday afternoon or evening in the Tri-Cities, according to the National Weather Service.

Fire danger is rated as high in the Mid-Columbia, and a red flag fire warning has been issued because of possible lightning hitting dry grasslands from 1 p.m. to midnight Wednesday.

Fortunately, any thunderstorms may come with rain showers to reduce the chance of lightning-sparked fires spreading.

The weather service forecasts a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms and showers in the Tri-Cities Wednesday afternoon.

But by evening the chance increases to 60 percent for showers with possible thunder and lightning.

Temperatures will be cooling from a high of 86 Tuesday to a high of about 80 on Wednesday. Highs should cool to the mid 70s Thursday and Friday.

This story was originally published June 25, 2019 at 10:49 AM.