With fire and weather conditions severe across much of the west, the National Weather Service has issued a ‘Red Flag Warning’.
Since many areas where thunderstorms are expected are very dry, abundant lightning on dry fuels may increase the risk of new wildfires.
Abundant lightning is forecast on these dry fuels Wednesday, which could cause new fire starts. In addition, strong, gusty outflow winds could cause any new fires to spread quickly.
Lightning will be the main threat with these storms, as little rainfall is expected, but a brief localized downpour is possible.
Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are expected over portions of the area Wednesday mainly during the afternoon/evening hours. These storms will have the ability to produce cloud to ground lightning and strong outflow wind gusts.
