SPC Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook
Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
1133 AM CDT Fri Jul 26 2024
Valid 261700Z – 271200Z
The main change to this outlook was to add isolated dry thunderstorm
highlights to portions of central and northern Utah. Thunderstorms
from prior days may have tempered fuels to a degree. Nonetheless, a
mix of wet and dry thunderstorms are expected later this afternoon
and tonight, and some of these storms may pass over fuel beds that
have experienced minimal rainfall. Otherwise, the previous forecast
(see below) remains on track, with minor changes made to existing
highlights to reflect the latest guidance consensus.
..Squitieri.. 07/26/2024
.PREV DISCUSSION… /ISSUED 0145 AM CDT Fri Jul 26 2024/
…Synopsis…
Two primary synoptic features will be responsible for bringing
elevated fire weather conditions to portions of the Northwest. A
mid-level trough progressing eastward across the Bay Area and into
the northern Great Basin will bring elevated fire weather conditions
to portions of northeastern California, southern Oregon, and the
Snake River Plain of Idaho, while an exiting jet streak associated
with a trough centered over Saskatchewan will bring elevated fire
weather conditions to portions of northern Montana. These elevated
highlights are primarily confined to where the dry and windy
conditions correspond to regions where wetting rainfall has not
impacted fuels over the last several days.
…Pacific Northeast and the Snake River Plain…
Portions of northeastern California into southwestern Oregon, as
well as the eastern portions of the Snake River Plain in Idaho, are
expected to have dry and windy conditions that overlap with
receptive fuels. Some wetting rainfall has occurred over the last
few days, but with recent lightning activity and some pockets of
receptive fuels, some potential for wildfire spread exists with any
previously existing fires and lightning ignitions.
…Northern Montana…
Some uncertainty exists about the receptiveness of fuels over
western portions of the highlight area due to recent wetting
rainfall, but generally, 20-25 MPH winds and relative humidity
values of 10-15% will overlap with pockets of receptive fuels.
…Dry Thunder…
Portions of the Great Basin and far southern Montana may see a mix
of dry and wet thunderstorms. Given the uncertainty in precipitation
efficiency, and recent wetting rainfall over much of the area, dry
thunder highlights have been withheld at this time.
…Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product…
