Red Flag Warning

...ISOLATED TO SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS WILL LEAD TO CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING...

.An upper weather system moving across the region this afternoon through Thursday morning will lead to the development of thunderstorms starting in Central Oregon, with activity moving north into the central WA Cascades tonight. Thunderstorms will be capable of frequent lightning, heavy downpours, and gusty outflow winds.

The National Weather Service in Pendleton has issued a Red Flag Warning for abundant lightning, which is in effect from 8 PM this evening to 10 AM PDT Thursday.

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 690 Kittitas Valley.

* TIMING...From 8 PM this evening to 10 AM PDT Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

* THUNDERSTORMS...Rain amounts will range from 0.05 to 0.15 inches, with stronger storms capable of producing 0.25 inches or more.

* OUTFLOW WINDS...25 to 45 mph, locally higher.