Fire Weather Outlook Discussion
Issued by NWS
Issued by NWS
717 FNUS22 KWNS 150600 FWDDY2 Day 2 Fire Weather Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1259 AM CDT Wed Jul 15 2026 Valid 161200Z - 171200Z ...Synopsis... An upper-level trough entering the Pacific Northwest along with a lee surface trough in interior WA and OR will support dry and breezy conditions across northeastern CA, south-central OR and far northwestern NV Thursday. A dry thunderstorm threat will also exist across much of interior WA as the trough pushes through the region. Farther south, dry and breezy onshore flow will continue to bring a fire weather threat to portions of the central and southern coastal ranges of CA and adjacent Central Valley. ...Northeastern California, northwestern Nevada and south-central Oregon... Increasing mid-level flow attributed to the Pacific Northwest trough atop an increasingly dry boundary layer via exiting monsoon moisture, will bring dry and breezy conditions to northeastern CA, south-central OR and far northwestern NV Thursday. Southwest winds of up to 15 mph and relative humidity of 10-15% will result in several hours of elevated fire weather conditions during the afternoon. ...Portions of central California and Central Valley... Dry and breezy westerly/northwesterly flow and resultant fire weather threat will once again impact portions of the central CA coastal ranges, southward into the southern Central Valley and adjacent Sierra Madre and San Rafael ranges. Wind speeds of up to 15 mph (up to 20-25 mph in terrain gaps) combined with RH in the 15-20% range will lead to elevated fire weather concerns Thursday afternoon. ...Washington and far northern ID Panhandle... A dynamic upper low and attendant 50-60 knot mid-level jet will push into the OR/WA Cascades Thursday. Residual monsoon moisture with PWATs ranging from 0.70-1.0", daytime heating and resultant instability over higher terrain, will bring a dry thunderstorm threat to much of central/eastern WA and northern ID Panhandle. Fuels continue to dry with forecast ERC values remaining near the 90th percentile as minimal rainfall is expected during the D1/Wednesday time period. LCL-EL layer northeastward velocities of 30-35 knots suggests reduced residence time of rain cores which will enhance ignition potential. Gusty outflow thunderstorm winds are also possible aided by a dry, sub-cloud layer. Highlighted area may need future adjustments if localized heavier rains occur D1/Wednesday. ..Williams.. 07/15/2026 ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product... $$