Weather Warnings for Washington

Issued by the National Weather Service

Current watches, warnings, and advisories for Washington
Alerts Updated: August 12, 2026, 11:55 pm  UTC


Special Weather Statement issued August 12 at 4:36PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA

Summary: At 435 PM PDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 8 miles north of Sherman Pass, or 49 miles northeast of Omak, moving northeast at 10 mph. HAZARD...Winds in excess of 30 mph and pea size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to outdoor objects is possible. Additionally, brief heavy downpours could cause ponding of water on roads. Locations impacted include... Curlew and Malo.
Severity:  Moderate    Effective:  August 12, 2026, 4:36 pm      Expires:  August 12, 2026, 5:15 pm
Area:  Okanogan Highlands


Special Weather Statement issued August 12 at 4:25PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA

Summary: At 423 PM PDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 15 miles northwest of Nordman, or 36 miles west of Bonners Ferry, moving northeast at 10 mph. HAZARD...Winds in excess of 30 mph and pea size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to outdoor objects is possible. Additionally, brief heavy downpours could cause ponding of water on roads. This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of northwestern Boundary, northwestern Bonner and northeastern Pend Oreille Counties.
Severity:  Moderate    Effective:  August 12, 2026, 4:25 pm      Expires:  August 12, 2026, 5:30 pm
Area:  Northern Panhandle; Northeast Mountains


Flash Flood Warning issued August 12 at 3:47PM PDT until August 12 at 6:30PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA

Summary: FFWOTX The National Weather Service in Spokane has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for... The Cedar Creek Burn Scar in... West Central Okanogan County in north central Washington... * Until 630 PM PDT. * At 347 PM PDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain over the Cedar Creek Burn Scar. Rain amounts between 0.30 to 0.50 inches has been estimated over the past hour and additional 0.25 to 0.75 inches is possible in the next few hours, as additional precipitation moves over the region. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. Excessive rainfall over the warning area will cause mud slides near steep terrain. The mud slide can consist of rock, mud, vegetation and other loose materials. HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms in and around the burn scar. SOURCE...Radar. IMPACT...Flooding of areas in and around the burn scar. * Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Rural areas of West Central Okanogan County and areas south of Mazama near State Route 20.
Severity:  Severe    Effective:  August 12, 2026, 3:47 pm      Expires:  August 12, 2026, 6:30 pm
Area:  Okanogan, WA


Air Quality Alert issued August 12 at 1:50PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR

Summary: The Washington State Department of Ecology, Benton Clean Air Agency, and the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency have issued an Air Quality Alert until further notice. An Air Quality Alert has bee issued for Benton, Columbia, Franklin, Kittitas, Walla Walla, and Yakima Counties until further notice due to expected wildfire smoke from regional fires. North to northeast winds will push smoke into the Columbia Basin beginning Wednesday afternoon. Particulate matter (PM2.5) levels may reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or worse. While occasional clearing and intermittent good air quality is possible during periods of stronger winds, smoke production continues to be significant from regional fires. Be sure to check air monitors in your area before outdoor activities. When air quality is Unhealthy, everyone should reduce exposure. Limit time outside, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and follow tips for cleaner indoor air. Information from the Washington Department of Ecology web site is available at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/air.html or call 360-407-6000. Information from the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency web site is available at http://www.yakimacleanair.org or call 509-834-2050. Information from the Benton County Clean Air Agency web site is available at http://www.bentoncleanair.org or call 509-783-1304.
Severity:  Unknown    Effective:  August 12, 2026, 1:50 pm      Expires:  August 13, 2026, 2:00 pm
Area:  Benton, WA; Columbia, WA; Franklin, WA; Kittitas, WA; Walla Walla, WA; Yakima, WA


Red Flag Warning issued August 12 at 1:05PM PDT until August 12 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA

Summary: A weather system will move through the area on Wednesday into early Thursday, bringing scattered showers and thunderstorms to the region. These thunderstorms will mainly be focused along the East Slopes of the Cascades and northern mountains. Lightning strikes will have the potential to start new wildfires, and gusty and erratic outflow winds could cause dangerous conditions around new and existing wildfires. * Affected Area: East Washington Central Cascades (Zone 696), East Portion of North Cascades National Park/Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (Zone 697), East Washington North Cascades (Zone 698), Okanogan Valley (Zone 703), Methow Valley (Zone 704), Foothills of Central Washington Cascades (Zone 705) and Waterville Plateau (Zone 706). * Thunderstorms: Scattered showers and thunderstorms through Wednesday evening. * Outflow Winds: Gusty outflow wind gusts up to 40 mph. * Impacts: Lightning strikes will have the potential to start new fires, and gusty and erratic outflow winds could cause dangerous conditions around new and existing wildfires.
Severity:  Severe    Effective:  August 12, 2026, 1:05 pm      Expires:  August 12, 2026, 11:00 pm
Area:  East Washington Central Cascades; East Portion of North Cascades National Park / Lake Chelan National Recreation Area; East Washington North Cascades; Okanogan Valley; Methow Valley; Central Washington Cascade Foothills; Waterville Plateau


Red Flag Warning issued August 12 at 1:05PM PDT until August 13 at 8:00AM PDT by NWS Spokane WA

Summary: A weather system will move through the area on Wednesday into early Thursday, bringing scattered showers and thunderstorms to the region. These thunderstorms will mainly be focused along the East Slopes of the Cascades and northern mountains. Lightning strikes will have the potential to start new wildfires, and gusty and erratic outflow winds could cause dangerous conditions around new and existing wildfires. * Affected Area: Northern and Central Idaho Panhandle (Zone 101), Okanogan Highlands and Kettle Mountains (Zone 699), Selkirk Mountains of Northeast Washington (Zone 700), Foothills of Northeast Washington (Zone 701) and Colville Reservation (Zone 702). * Thunderstorms: Scattered showers and thunderstorms through early Thursday morning. * Outflow Winds: Gusty outflow wind gusts up to 40 mph. * Impacts: Lightning strikes will have the potential to start new fires, and gusty and erratic outflow winds could cause dangerous conditions around new and existing wildfires.
Severity:  Severe    Effective:  August 12, 2026, 1:05 pm      Expires:  August 12, 2026, 11:15 pm
Area:  Northern and Central Idaho Panhandle; Okanogan Highlands & Kettle Mountains; Selkirk Mountains of Northeast Washington; Foothills of Northeast Washington; Colville Reservation


Red Flag Warning issued August 12 at 12:16PM PDT until August 12 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Seattle WA

Summary: The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued a Fire Weather Watch for lightning and gusty outflow winds, which is in effect from Thursday morning through Thursday evening. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 652 West Portion of the Olympic Mountains, Fire Weather Zone 658 West Slopes of the North Cascades Generally above 1500 Feet and Fire Weather Zone 661 East Portion of the Olympic Mountains. * LIGHTNING...Isolated to scattered thunderstorm coverage is possible across the northern Cascade Mountains and the Olympic Mountains. Thunderstorms will develop today from the northwest and spread across the area. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Any storms that develop will be capable of gusty and erratic outflow winds between 20 and 30 miles per hour. Outflow winds can occur ahead of and behind storms and cause erratic wind directions. * IMPACTS...Scattered lightning in dry fuels can cause multiple fire starts. Thunderstorms can also bring sudden sharp wind shifts on existing fires, causing rapid changes in a fire's rate of spread and direction of spread. Thunderstorm outflow winds can be a threat for several hours following the start of a new lightning-caused fire. If a fire were to begin, air quality may diminish in the surrounding area.
Severity:  Severe    Effective:  August 12, 2026, 12:16 pm      Expires:  August 12, 2026, 8:30 pm
Area:  West Portion of the Olympic Mountains; West Slopes of the North Cascades Generally above 1500 Feet; East Portion of the Olympic Mountains


Fire Weather Watch issued August 12 at 12:16PM PDT until August 13 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Seattle WA

Summary: The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued a Fire Weather Watch for lightning and gusty outflow winds, which is in effect from Thursday morning through Thursday evening. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 652 West Portion of the Olympic Mountains, Fire Weather Zone 658 West Slopes of the North Cascades Generally above 1500 Feet and Fire Weather Zone 661 East Portion of the Olympic Mountains. * LIGHTNING...Isolated to scattered thunderstorm coverage is possible across the northern Cascade Mountains and the Olympic Mountains. Thunderstorms will develop today from the northwest and spread across the area. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Any storms that develop will be capable of gusty and erratic outflow winds between 20 and 30 miles per hour. Outflow winds can occur ahead of and behind storms and cause erratic wind directions. * IMPACTS...Scattered lightning in dry fuels can cause multiple fire starts. Thunderstorms can also bring sudden sharp wind shifts on existing fires, causing rapid changes in a fire's rate of spread and direction of spread. Thunderstorm outflow winds can be a threat for several hours following the start of a new lightning-caused fire. If a fire were to begin, air quality may diminish in the surrounding area.
Severity:  Severe    Effective:  August 12, 2026, 12:16 pm      Expires:  August 12, 2026, 8:30 pm
Area:  West Portion of the Olympic Mountains; West Slopes of the North Cascades Generally above 1500 Feet; East Portion of the Olympic Mountains


Fire Weather Watch issued August 12 at 12:16PM PDT until August 13 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Seattle WA

Summary: The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued a Fire Weather Watch for lightning and gusty outflow winds, which is in effect from Thursday morning through Thursday evening. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 659 West Slopes of the Central Cascades Generally above 1500 Feet. * LIGHTNING...Isolated to scattered thunderstorm coverage is possible across the northern Cascade Mountains and the Olympic Mountains. Thunderstorms will develop today from the northwest and spread across the area. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Any storms that develop will be capable of gusty and erratic outflow winds between 20 and 30 miles per hour. Outflow winds can occur ahead of and behind storms and cause erratic wind directions. * IMPACTS...Scattered lightning in dry fuels can cause multiple fire starts. Thunderstorms can also bring sudden sharp wind shifts on existing fires, causing rapid changes in a fire's rate of spread and direction of spread. Thunderstorm outflow winds can be a threat for several hours following the start of a new lightning-caused fire. If a fire were to begin, air quality may diminish in the surrounding area.
Severity:  Severe    Effective:  August 12, 2026, 12:16 pm      Expires:  August 12, 2026, 8:30 pm
Area:  West Slopes of the Central Cascades Generally above 1500 Feet


Air Quality Alert issued August 12 at 11:56AM PDT by NWS Spokane WA

Summary: An Air Quality Alert has been issued by the following agencies: Washington Department of Ecology Colville Confederated Tribes Environmental Protection Agency Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency An Air Quality Alert has been issued for Adams, Asotin, Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Garfield, Grant, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, and Whitman Counties until further notice due to current and expected smoke from regional fires. Particulate matter (PM2.5) may reach Unhealthy levels for areas directly downwind from active wildfires. Other areas may reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or worse. While occasional clearing is possible during periods of stronger winds, smoke production continues to be significant from regional fires. Be sure to check air monitors in your area before outdoor activities. When air quality is Unhealthy, everyone should reduce exposure. Limit time outside, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and follow tips for cleaner indoor air.
Severity:  Unknown    Effective:  August 12, 2026, 11:56 am      Expires:  August 13, 2026, 12:00 pm
Area:  Adams, WA; Asotin, WA; Chelan, WA; Douglas, WA; Ferry, WA; Garfield, WA; Grant, WA; Lincoln, WA; Okanogan, WA; Pend Oreille, WA; Spokane, WA; Stevens, WA; Whitman, WA


Air Quality Alert issued August 12 at 11:56AM PDT by NWS Spokane WA

Summary: An Air Quality Alert has been issued by the following agencies: Washington Department of Ecology Colville Confederated Tribes Environmental Protection Agency Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency An Air Quality Alert has been issued for Adams, Asotin, Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Garfield, Grant, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, and Whitman Counties until further notice due to current and expected smoke from regional fires. Particulate matter (PM2.5) may reach Unhealthy levels for areas directly downwind from active wildfires. Other areas may reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or worse. While occasional clearing is possible during periods of stronger winds, smoke production continues to be significant from regional fires. Be sure to check air monitors in your area before outdoor activities. When air quality is Unhealthy, everyone should reduce exposure. Limit time outside, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and follow tips for cleaner indoor air.
Severity:  Unknown    Effective:  August 12, 2026, 11:56 am      Expires:  August 13, 2026, 12:00 pm
Area:  Adams, WA; Asotin, WA; Chelan, WA; Douglas, WA; Ferry, WA; Garfield, WA; Grant, WA; Lincoln, WA; Okanogan, WA; Pend Oreille, WA; Spokane, WA; Stevens, WA; Whitman, WA


Air Quality Alert issued August 12 at 11:56AM PDT by NWS Spokane WA

Summary: An Air Quality Alert has been issued by the following agencies: Washington Department of Ecology Colville Confederated Tribes Environmental Protection Agency Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency An Air Quality Alert has been issued for Adams, Asotin, Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Garfield, Grant, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, and Whitman Counties until further notice due to current and expected smoke from regional fires. Particulate matter (PM2.5) may reach Unhealthy levels for areas directly downwind from active wildfires. Other areas may reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or worse. While occasional clearing is possible during periods of stronger winds, smoke production continues to be significant from regional fires. Be sure to check air monitors in your area before outdoor activities. When air quality is Unhealthy, everyone should reduce exposure. Limit time outside, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and follow tips for cleaner indoor air.
Severity:  Unknown    Effective:  August 12, 2026, 11:56 am      Expires:  August 13, 2026, 12:00 pm
Area:  Adams, WA; Asotin, WA; Chelan, WA; Douglas, WA; Ferry, WA; Garfield, WA; Grant, WA; Lincoln, WA; Okanogan, WA; Pend Oreille, WA; Spokane, WA; Stevens, WA; Whitman, WA


Air Quality Alert issued August 12 at 11:56AM PDT by NWS Spokane WA

Summary: An Air Quality Alert has been issued by the following agencies: Washington Department of Ecology Colville Confederated Tribes Environmental Protection Agency Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency An Air Quality Alert has been issued for Adams, Asotin, Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Garfield, Grant, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, and Whitman Counties until further notice due to current and expected smoke from regional fires. Particulate matter (PM2.5) may reach Unhealthy levels for areas directly downwind from active wildfires. Other areas may reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or worse. While occasional clearing is possible during periods of stronger winds, smoke production continues to be significant from regional fires. Be sure to check air monitors in your area before outdoor activities. When air quality is Unhealthy, everyone should reduce exposure. Limit time outside, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and follow tips for cleaner indoor air.
Severity:  Unknown    Effective:  August 12, 2026, 11:56 am      Expires:  August 13, 2026, 12:00 pm
Area:  Adams, WA; Asotin, WA; Chelan, WA; Douglas, WA; Ferry, WA; Garfield, WA; Grant, WA; Lincoln, WA; Okanogan, WA; Pend Oreille, WA; Spokane, WA; Stevens, WA; Whitman, WA


Air Quality Alert issued August 12 at 12:47AM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR

Summary: The Washington State Department of Ecology, Benton Clean Air Agency, and the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency have issued an Air Quality Alert until further notice. An Air Quality Alert has been issued for Benton, Columbia, Franklin, Kittitas, Walla Walla and Yakima counties until further notice due to expected wildfire smoke from regional fires. Expect some clearing out and intermittent good air quality but with significant fires on the landscape conditions can worsen quickly to unhealthy air. Be sure to check air monitors in your area before outdoor activities. People can take the following precautions to protect their health: * Follow local burn restrictions to prevent deteriorating air quality. * Avoid strenuous outdoor activity in smoky conditions. * People with heart or lung problems and young children are especially vulnerable. These people should stay indoors while smoke levels are high. * Use certified High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters in indoor heating ventilation, cooling, and air purification systems. * Avoid using wood-burning stoves and other sources of indoor smoke if possible. Information from the Washington Department of Ecology web site is available at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/air.html or call 360-407-6000. Information from the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency web site is available at http://www.yakimacleanair.org or call 509-834-2050. Information from the Benton County Clean Air Agency web site is available at http://www.bentoncleanair.org or call 509-783-1304.
Severity:  Unknown    Effective:  August 12, 2026, 12:47 am      Expires:  August 13, 2026, 12:00 pm
Area:  Benton, WA; Columbia, WA; Franklin, WA; Kittitas, WA; Walla Walla, WA; Yakima, WA