Red Flag Warning

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FOR PORTIONS OF CENTRAL WASHINGTON SATURDAY AFTERNOON FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...

Dry and breezy conditions are expected this afternoon and evening from the Waterville Plateau and Colville Reservation to the Eastern Columbia Basin, lower Palouse and Snake River. Rapid fire spread is likely with any new or ongoing fires. Evening Cascade gap winds will increase relative humidity above critical levels.

The National Weather Service in Spokane has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect until 9 PM PDT this evening.

* Affected Area: Eastern Columbia Basin -Palouse -Spokane Area (Zone 708) and Lower Palouse -Snake River (Zone 709).

* Winds: Southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

* Relative Humidities: 13 to 20 percent.

* Impacts: Rapid fire spread is likely with any new or ongoing fires.