Mid-Columbia under fire weather watch Aug. 27

The Mid-Columbia will be under a fire weather watch Saturday afternoon and evening because of gusty winds and low humidity, according to the National Weather Service.

No rain is forecast, and blowing dust is possible in some areas.

A southwest wind that increases from 9 to 22 mph Saturday is predicted for the Tri-Cities. Gusts of up to 31 mph are possible. The day will be hot, with a high expected in the mid 90s.

Any fires that start likely will spread quickly.

The weather watch could be upgraded to a red flag fire weather warning by Saturday.

This story was originally published August 25, 2016 at 4:50 PM with the headline "Mid-Columbia under fire weather watch Aug. 27."