Fire Weather Outlook Discussion
Issued by NWS
Issued by NWS
605 FNUS28 KWNS 192126 FWDD38 Day 3-8 Fire Weather Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0424 PM CDT Wed Jun 19 2024 Valid 211200Z - 271200Z An upper-level ridge will build over the Southwest US late this week into this weekend. Expansive thunderstorm activity is expected across the Southwest Friday and Saturday due to remnant moisture from the westward-moving Tropical Storm Alberto off the TX/Mexico coast this afternoon. Through time, thunderstorm activity is expected to become more isolated into early next week. No IsoDryT probabilities have been added, as the robust nature of the moisture push should result in mostly wet thunderstorms. The threat for dry and windy conditions is expected to increase early next week, as an upper trough traverses the Pacific Northwest. A cold front is expected to cross the Cascades with dry and breezy westerly flow in its wake. A mix of dry/cured and green fuels are present on the eastern Cascade foothills and the Columbia Basin. These marginally dry fuels are the primary precluding factor to greater Critical probabilities. However, some large-fire threat is expected, especially if a fire can begin/establish in the drier fuels. In addition to the Columbia Basin, some dry and breezy conditions are possible in the Snake River Plain as increasing mid-level flow overspreads the dry and well-mixed airmass. Beyond this weekend, the ridge is expected to maintain across the Southwest with building heat and drying fuels. The pattern will remain favorable for shortwave trough passages through the Northwest, which will be monitored for increased fire weather potential. ..Bentley.. 06/19/2024 ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product... $$