Red flag warning for North Central Washington for Thursday, says the NWS

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The NWS Spokane WA issued a red flag warning at 11:46 a.m. on Wednesday valid for Thursday between 1 a.m. and 11 a.m. The warning is for East Portion of North Cascades National Park / Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, East Washington North Cascades and Methow Valley.

"One wave of showers and thunderstorms will track south to north through central Washington Wednesday night into Thursday morning. This activity will be a mix of wet and dry thunderstorms with scattered lightning strikes. Rainfall amounts between a trace and a tenth of an inch. As this activity drifts north of Highway 2 Thursday morning, lightning activity is expected to become isolated with rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch. Thunderstorms are expected to redevelop Thursday afternoon and early evening. Coverage will be isolated to scattered. 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 1 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. Affected Area: East Portion of North Cascades National Park/Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (Zone 697), East Washington North Cascades (Zone 698) and Methow Valley (Zone 704). Thunderstorms: Isolated to scattered coverage. Mainly dry thunderstorms with rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch. Outflow Winds: Erratic outflow winds of 20 to 40 mph. Impacts: New fire starts from lightning. New fires could be impacted by gusty outflow winds," says the NWS.

This warning is in effect until Thursday at 11 a.m.

What is the significance of a red flag warning?

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 actions are necessary during 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. Secure burn barrels:

If burning is permitted in your area, ensure that all burn barrels have a weighted metal cover, complete with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.

2. Responsible 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 thwart accidental fires, diligently extinguish all outdoor fires. Suffocate them with an ample deluge of water and stir to ensure complete cooling. Submerge charcoal in water until it's entirely devoid of heat. Never leave live charcoal unattended.

4. Never leave fires unattended:

Avoid leaving any fire unattended. Even sparks or embers carried by the wind can ignite nearby leaves or grass, triggering a fire that spreads rapidly.

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 11:50 AM.