Hot and smoky Friday with fire weather concerns – Matt

SPOKANE, Wash.– Friday will be a smoky, hot, and blustery day in the Inland Northwest. Temperatures will quickly warm to the upper 80s and low 90s by lunch after starting in the 60s. Highs will be in the upper 90s and low 100s today, which should set some daily high temperature records around the region. A Heat Advisory is in effect for Friday afternoon.

A Fire Weather Warning is also in effect for both Friday and Saturday. Winds will begin to blow stronger out of the south starting Friday evening and lasting through much of Saturday. A small but potent weather system will cross over us on Saturday to bring us these winds. That storm will also bring us cloudy skies, cooler temperatures, and a chance for some isolated lightning and thunder on the first day of the holiday weekend. Fires in the region will be active and difficult to control during these weather conditions. New wildfires could spread quickly too, so if you see something, say something.

After Saturday the conditions get much nicer for the rest of Labor Day Weekend. Keep in mind this does not include any impacts from smoke. Skies turn sunny again while temperatures hover in the 80s in the afternoon and 50s in the morning. Will we leave the 90-degree weather behind us after today? There’s no way to know for sure, but with another cool system on tap next Wednesday and Thursday we are at the very least getting an extended break from the heat.