Wildfire Danger in the Northwest Is About to Get Even Worse

The Pacific Northwest is feeling the heat, as massive wildfires spread through the region amidst an intensifying heat dome. Here is a look at the latest wildfire situation in a corner of the country that is begging for rain.

Wildfire Danger Intensifies in the Pacific Northwest

Dangerous wildfire weather is expected to linger throughout the northwestern U.S. this week, sending areas of thick smoke billowing across the region. Several large fires have sprung to life in recent days. Most notably, the Old Trails Fire near Spokane, Washington, has destroyed hundreds of homes and prompted the evacuation of thousands.

Three major fires burning near Spokane have torched over 10,000 acres so far. On Monday, authorities arrested a 37-year-old man on arson charges in connection with the Old Trails Fire.

While the wind intensity is beginning to weaken, forecasters are warning that the threat of fires will remain high through the week. The latest forecast is calling for a moderate fire risk to stretch well into the northern Plains and down into the Four Corners region.

The dry vegetation and breezy conditions will support the development of new fires while also spreading the flames of existing blazes. In addition, the forecast of dry thunderstorms could also spark new fires as a result of the frequent lightning strikes accompanied by little to no rain.

Which parts of the region experience the most hazardous smoke conditions will vary from day to day, depending on the direction of the winds. Major urban areas such as Seattle, Portland, and Denver should all prepare for potentially dangerous air quality levels throughout the week. The worst of the air quality is expected to filter over the zone east of the Cascades and into northern Idaho and western Montana.

When Will the Wildfires Ease in the Western U.S.?

There is no significant precipitation in the forecast in the short term for the Pacific Northwest. A large zone of high pressure is predicted to intensify by the middle of the week, sending the mercury even higher. Temperatures will peak in the upper 80s in Seattle on Thursday. Higher readings are expected moving farther inland.

Unfortunately, the long-term forecast is not looking much better. The mostly dry conditions will continue to deepen the drought and keep the threat of wildfires a constant danger across the bulk of the western U.S.

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