Excessively hot temperatures continue across the West, contributing to the high fire danger. Fire and heat alerts are in places as we are expecting temperatures to rise once again well into the triple digits. After last week’s heat, this will be a rinse and repeat for many.

Related article – Record Heat Grips the West

Many large fires are still burning in the Four Corners region. If you see/smell smoke, it is likely from a nearby wildfire. If you think it is a new spark, make sure to alert authorities.

Unfortunately, any rain we see the next few days will set up along and east of the Rockies, keeping the West dry.

The fire weather outlook has an elevated risk in the Northwest, with the concern for “dry thunderstorms” and lightning in the Southwest.

“Dry thunderstorms” develop across the West in the summer months often have a high cloud base. As the rain starts to fall, it passes through very low humidity between the cloud base and ground. A lot or most of the rain evaporates in the dry air.

Lightning associated with the thunderstorms can easily ignite fires when striking dry vegetation, especially with the low humidity and breezy conditions.

Drought conditions remain widespread across the West, adding to the fire danger. Please be smart if you’re spending time outdoors or camping!

Avoid any outdoor burning on days with elevated fire conditions and alerts. Stayed tuned to WeatherNation for the latest updates.