Red Flag Warning

...HIGH ABUNDANT LIGHTNING RISK WITH THUNDERSTORMS TODAY... ... WINDY AND BREEZY WITH CRITICAL RH FRIDAY AND SATURDAY...

The upper level low offshore will shift to the east just enough to allow for monsoonal moisture to move into the region. Instability will accompany the moisture and allow for increased chances of isolated to scattered thunderstorms across the eastern mountains. Brief heavy downpours, gusty outflow winds in excess of 45 mph, small hail, and frequent lightning will be possible. A strong to briefly severe thunderstorm cannot be ruled out this afternoon and early evening.

Friday the upper level low will eject into the region bringing windy conditions to many of the Cascade Gaps as well as central OR. Humidities both Friday and Saturday will be critical.

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 690 Kittitas Valley, 691 Lower Columbia Basin of Oregon, 691 Lower Columbia Basin of Washington and 704 Northern Deschutes National Forest.

* TIMING...From 10 AM to 8 PM PDT Saturday.

* WINDS...West 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 23 percent.

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