Fire Weather Outlook Discussion
Issued by NWS
Issued by NWS
871 FNUS22 KWNS 191921 FWDDY2 Day 2 Fire Weather Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0221 PM CDT Wed Aug 19 2026 Valid 201200Z - 211200Z ...NO CRITICAL AREAS... The previously drawn elevated area in place over northeastern CA, northwestern NV, and southern OR was removed. While RHs will still fall to near 10-15%, the latest forecast guidance has trended weaker with winds during the afternoon across the region on Day 2/Thursday. Outside of localized terrain-enhanced wind, widespread afternoon winds of 10-15 mph are expected to remain below elevated thresholds. Thus, only brief and localized elevated fire environment conditions are expected over much of the Intermountain West on Day 2/Thursday afternoon. ..Stearns.. 08/19/2026 .PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 1240 AM CDT Wed Aug 19 2026/ ...Synopsis... Upper-level troughing will persist over the northeastern CONUS on Day 2/Thursday, with an embedded mid-level shortwave yielding increased precipitation chances over a drought-stressed environment in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin. The established upper ridge over the Great Basin will continue to amplify, delivering above normal temperatures and dry conditions to the Interior West. Meanwhile, an upper trough will deepen along the West Coast, ushering stronger southwesterly flow into the northwestern CONUS. Across northeastern California, northwestern Nevada, and southern Oregon, daytime high temperatures will range from 90-100 F or greater amid 10-20 mph sustained west-southwesterly winds and RH values of 10-15%. These meteorological conditions will overlap a receptive fuelscape, promoting an Elevated fire weather threat. RH values of 15-20% and 10-20 mph southwesterly winds will also overlap portions of southeastern Nevada; however, recent monsoonal moisture has contributed to less receptive fuels, precluding the expansion of Elevated highlights. ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product... $$