...WIDESPREAD BREEZY WESTERLY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY TODAY...

...HIGH-BASED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON ALONG THE WASHINGTON CASCADES AND BLUE MOUNTAINS...

.An approaching low-pressure system will bring widespread breezy westerly winds through the Cascade gaps, across the Columbia Basin, and into portions of the Blue Mountains today. Coupled with low relative humidity, this will lead to critical fire weather conditions. Moreover, high-based showers and thunderstorms are forecast, with the best chances of abundant lightning through the remainder of this morning along the Washington Cascades and this afternoon for the northeast Blue Mountains.

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 692 Northern Blue Mountains of Oregon and 692 Blue Mountains of Washington.

* TIMING...From 11 AM this morning to 11 PM PDT this evening.

* THUNDERSTORMS...Isolated to scattered coverage with abundant lightning.

* OUTFLOW WINDS...Gusty, erratic winds of 40 to 60 mph.

* IMPACTS...Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. close

AIR QUALITY ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON PDT MONDAY

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until noon PDT Monday.

For the Smoke Air Quality Advisory, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels.

Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition.

For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ close