~Summer Around the Pacific Northwest~
RED FLAG WARNINGS will once again be in effect from Friday at 11am to Saturday at 11pm for the southern zones of our forecast area * Air Quality Alerts also continue for parts of our region * Click here for complete details.......
Exclusive Inland NW Summary Issued: Thursday, August 6, 2026 @ 4:45pm
WRITTEN BY: Climatologist Bob Lutz
(Summaries are issued as needed and will be updated more frequently during times of active weather)
SHORT-TERM FORECAST
Warming temperatures will continue through Friday, but as the high pressure ridge flattens out, it will likely get a tad cooler over time. Also expect some elevated winds on Friday and Saturday as the ridge weakens, but they should not be as strong as last weekend. Even so, any elevated winds will generate wildfire concerns given the current conditions. There is still no sign of rain, and those pesky areas of haze and smoke will persist in places as well.
LONG-TERM FORECAST
There are still no big changes in store for the foreseeable future as the SW high pressure ridge dominates the pattern in one way or another. It does appear that the ridge will be a bit weaker over the Inland Northwest, which will keep our temperatures in check. The trade-off will be locally breezy afternoons each day as the pressure gradients on the northern periphery of the ridge tighten up from time to time under more of a westerly air flow.
General Short-Term Model Agreement: EXCELLENT
General Long-Term Model Agreement: EXCELLENT
Our hearts and prayers continue to go out to all those affected by the historic wildfires ripping through the Inland Northwest. Please consider making a donation by clicking on the icons below. Having been a part of the Oregon Road Fire Long-Term Recovery Team, I can attest to the fact that these two organizations will keep your donation local. In addition, Innovia has a much lower overhead, which means more of your money goes to the fire victims. Each link will take you directly to the local donation page...
