The National Weather Service has issued a “red flag” warning, effective through 9 p.m. Friday, August 19th for the Columbia Basin.
High heat, gusty winds and low humidity have created critical fire danger conditions, the weather service said.
All burning is prohibited, and all current fires must be immediately extinguished — including emergency agricultural burning.
Winds will remain at 15 to 25 mph into Friday afternoon before decreasing Friday night and Saturday. Sunday will bring westerly winds of 10 to 20 mph.
The temperature soared as high as 99 degrees Thursday at the Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco. Expected highs are 92 degrees Friday, 95 on Saturday and 97 on Sunday.