Fire Weather Outlook Discussion
Issued by NWS
Issued by NWS
646 FNUS28 KWNS 142139 FWDD38 Day 3-8 Fire Weather Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0437 PM CDT Tue Jul 14 2026 Valid 161200Z - 221200Z ...Synopsis... A strong upper ridge will persist over the central/northern Plains through the end of this week into the early weekend. Following a northward progressing shortwave trough along the Pacific Northwest coast on Day 3/Thursday, ensembles indicate the upper ridge will then translate westward to encompass much of the western CONUS while the eastern US is expected to remain in a troughing pattern. Daily chances of thunderstorm activity are possible in the extended forecast period across the Intermountain West as monsoonal moisture advects northward once again. ...Portions of northeastern California and the Central Valley, northwestern Nevada, and far south-central Oregon... Warm daytime temperatures and low RH will contribute to drying fuels across the California Coastal Ranges into the Central Valley. ERCs are forecast to approach the 90-95th percentile by late this week amid dry and breezy conditions, supporting any new ignitions and the emergence of lightning holdovers from wet/dry thunderstorms early in the forecast period. 40% Critical probabilities remain on Day 3/Thursday to account for this threat. Farther north, strong south-southwesterly flow aloft behind a shortwave trough bypassing the Pacific Northwest will encourage dry and windy conditions across northeastern California, northwestern Nevada, and south-central Oregon on Days 3-4/Thursday-Friday. Preceding days of thunderstorms and pockets of heavier rainfall may alleviate some fuel concerns; however, a returning dry airmass and gusty winds may encourage any lightning holdovers to emerge. ..Elizalde-Garcia.. 07/14/2026 ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product... $$