The National Weather Service (NOAA) issued a rare type of weather advisory for the Eastern Puget Sound area – a ‘Fire Weather Watch.”
It’s been a very dry summer, but a low pressure system spinning off the California coast today may just change that this weekend.
That low pressure is certainly predicted to bring unstable air to the region, which help thunderstorms form. Thunderstorms and warm temperatures, mixed with long stretches of dry weather, set the stage for possible wildfires – fueled by lightning.
Mount Si already had one wildfire this summer, as did the Echo Lake area. Luckily, both of those fires were small and contained quickly.
The low pressure system approaching from Northern California coast will reach Washington on Sunday and on its journey will support thunderstorm development over the Cascades each afternoon and evening from Friday, August 9th through Sunday, August 11th.
The National Weather Service says Friday night in particular could see those storms over the Cascades drift into the foothills – thanks to an upper level easterly wind flow.
Fire zone 657 is the affected area, including the Snoqualmie Valley, and all areas east of I-5 and below 1500 feet in elevation in King and Pierce counties. According to NOAA, a fire weather watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur.
The thunderstorm threat exits the area Sunday night as the low pressure system moves away.
