~Summer Around the Pacific Northwest~
RED FLAG WARNINGS are once again in effect for the southern zones of our forecast area through 11pm Saturday * Air Quality Alerts also continue for parts of our region * Click here for complete details.......
Exclusive Inland NW Summary Issued: Friday, August 7, 2026 @ 12:30pm
WRITTEN BY: Climatologist Bob Lutz
(Summaries are issued as needed and will be updated more frequently during times of active weather)
SHORT-TERM FORECAST
Unfortunately, for the third weekend in a row we're under some degree of fire weather warnings due to winds! This time, the culprit is weakening high pressure, which will flatten out over the Inland Northwest and generate breezy to windy conditions at times. While the winds should not be near as strong as last weekend, any elevated winds will result in wildfire concerns given the current conditions. The good news is that temperatures will gradually cool back a little going through the weekend and into early next week, but there is still no rain in sight as of this summary.
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 give us some cloud cover at times. It will also keep our temperatures in check, which is to say they will be closer to normal. 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. If the ridge weakens enough, we may, just may, have a chance of a little moisture sliding down out of Canada, but at this point, that is a big if!
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...
