08/21/2026
The US National Weather Service Seattle Washington has issued a Red Flag Warning for lightning and gusty outflow winds from 1 AM to 5 PM PDT on Saturday across the Olympic Mountains.
A Red Flag Warning means critical fire weather conditions are either expected or already happening. Any new fires could spread quickly. Lightning in dry fuels can lead to multiple fire starts, and thunderstorms can create sudden wind shifts that rapidly change a fire’s speed and direction. Outflow winds from thunderstorms may continue for several hours, increasing fire danger even after storms pass.
You can help during this critical period by following current fire restrictions. No campfires are allowed anywhere across the national forest unless your cook stove, lantern, or campfire device is fueled solely by gas, jellied petroleum, pressurized liquid fuel, or propane with an on/off switch.
Your caution helps protect our firefighters, communities, and forest. Let’s all stay alert and do our part.
There is a threat for thunderstorms tonight through Saturday across Western Washington, including in the Cascades & Olympics. If you're heading out into the mountains, make sure you're aware of the forecast.
More info on lightning safety:https://www.weather.gov/media/owlie/backcountry_lightning.pdf
