Hot weather, Fire Danger in Store for Mason County into the Weekend
by Mason PUD 3 on
August 17, 2016
Heat, lower humidity and occasionally gusty winds mean an uncomfortable soup of weather over the next several days.
(SHELTON, WA) -- An excessive heat watch for temperatures in the 80’s and 90’s is in place for Mason County and much of western Washington State through Saturday.
The forecast is subject to change. The National Weather Service’s forecast is updated regularly.
Low humidity and occasionally gusty winds through Friday night mean a heightened fire danger, resulting in a “Red Flag” warning (or Fire Weather Watch) from the National Weather Service. These alerts mean conditions are ideal for wildland fire combustion, and rapid spread.
The watch covers Mason County and most of Western Washington State from Thursday afternoon through Saturday night.
Max Temperatures
Upper 80’s to mid 90’s.
Min Temperatures
In the 50’s, except lower to mid-60’s in the Seattle metro area.
Impacts
Sensitive groups like the elderly and those working or exercising outdoors may experience adverse health effects such as dehydration or heat-related illness.
A fire weather watch covers Mason County and much of western Washington State Thursday through Friday night. Occasionally breezy conditions and low humidity will combine to produce “red flag” conditions.
Wind
Winds will be from the northeast to north 10 to 18 mph. On exposed ridges, the wind will shift to the northeast to east Thursday night and Friday and will increase to 15 to 25 mph on exposed ridges.
Humidity
Humidity will fall to between 10 & 20 percent during Thursday afternoon and Friday. Humidity will recover to 40 to 60 percent below 1000 feet Thursday night and Friday morning but will remain below 40 percent on exposed ridges above 1000 feet.
Precautionary/Preparedness Actions
A fire weather watch means to expect critical fire weather conditions.