Update: Red flag fire warning extended for Tri-Cities. Expect blowing dust

A red flag warning for most of Eastern Washington, including the Tri-Cities area, has been extended until 8 p.m. Monday.

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag fire warning that extends from north of Spokane to south of the Oregon border in central Washington and from Yakima east to the Idaho border.

Low relative humidity and breezy to windy conditions were forecast for Sunday afternoon through Monday evening as two dry cold fronts pass over Eastern Washington, increasing the potential for any fires to spread rapidly.

In the Tri-Cities, gusts of up to 23 mph were forecast from Sunday evening through Monday evening. Areas of blowing dust are forecast Monday into the evening.

The U.S. Drought Monitor says conditions in Benton and Franklin County this month range from abnormally dry in some areas to severe drought in the Tri-Cities and to the south.

On Saturday and Sunday highs in the Tri-Cities hit at least 90.

But temperatures should start to cool after the weekend.

On Monday a high of about 80 was forecast. Then temperatures should drop into the 70s or just below for the rest of the week through the coming weekend.

Wednesday is expected to be the coolest day of the week with a high of 68 and possible rain showers, according to the weather service.

This story was originally published September 16, 2023 at 5:57 PM.