Fire Weather Outlook Discussion
Issued by NWS
Issued by NWS
942 FNUS21 KWNS 140652 FWDDY1 Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0151 AM CDT Fri Aug 14 2026 Valid 141200Z - 151200Z ...Synopsis... An expansive upper ridge is forecast to intensify over the central US today. Troughing will remain along the periphery over the West Coast. This troughing, along with monsoon moisture, should bring another round of isolated dry thunderstorms to parts of the Northwest. Meanwhile beneath the ridge, very hot temperatures, low humidity and breezy winds will foster elevated fire-weather potential across the southern Plains. ...Western WA/OR into northern CA... Isolated dry thunderstorm are possible for portions of northwestern CA and into western OR and southern WA this afternoon and into the evening. An upper-level trough across the West Coast will overspread a plume of monsoon moisture from northwestern CA to the OR Cascades and central OR. PWATs generally below 0.90" and faster northeastward storm motions will promote limited rainfall efficiency with some potential for lightning. ERC values in the 80-90th percentile and should promote the potential for ignitions, especially over OR where faster storm motions are expected. ...Southern Plains... Beneath the upper ridge, another day of very hot temperatures and gusty southwesterly winds are expected over parts of the southern Plains. Afternoon high temperatures over 100 F are likely from the eastern TX Panhandle into central OK and southern KS. With this heat, afternoon RH values are expected to fall to below 20%. Bolstered by the strong heating and weak westerly flow aloft, a surface trough will encourage southwesterly 15-20 mph surface winds through the day. Given the very dry fuels, elevated fire-weather conditions are probable. Isolated thunderstorms are possible over northwestern portions of the OK/TX Panhandles near a stalled front. While likely higher based, weakening upper flow from the building ridge should limit storm motions and dry thunderstorm potential. Still, lightning interacting with drier fuels could support some potential for ignitions. ..Lyons.. 08/14/2026 ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product... $$