Weather

Three wildfires surrounding Spokane forced more than 60,000 people to evacuate as flames destroyed at least 600 structures across Spokane County, officials said.

 The National Weather Service issued an “Elevated Fire Weather" statement with a possibility of winds up to 20 to 35 miles per hour and low humidity at 20 to 30 percent. 

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Washington is mobilizing its statewide network to assist residents affected by wildfires raging across eastern and central Washington.

After Saturday's "Particularly Dangerous Situation" with critical fire risk in Central and Eastern Washington, the high winds will subside today. Fire danger is forecast to remain elevated to high as the hot, dry conditions will persist into the coming days. 

Multiple tropical waves are currently moving off the African coast into the Main Development Region of the Atlantic, but hostile winds, Saharan dust and ocean temperatures will determine whether any development actually happens.

A cold front that moved into Washington Saturday brought breezy and windy conditions with it, increasing the danger of wildfires burning in the state.  

Emergency responders in Spokane County issued emergency Level 3 evacuation orders on Aug. 1 as crews battled the fast-moving Old Trails Fire during elevated fire weather conditions.

A weak front will move through the region Saturday. Gusty winds, nearing 50mph associated with the front, will lead to critical fire danger in areas east of the Cascades.

Renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja and nine other climbers have been confirmed dead after an avalanche on Pakistan's Broad Peak.

The National Weather Service has issued a rare "Particularly Dangerous Situation" alert for several areas of Washington due to wildfire risks. This is the first such designation for the state.