Washington wildfire season expected to start early this year with dry, hot conditions
Weather forecasts for June could have a large impact on Washington's upcoming wildfire season, and with record-breaking heat and dry conditions currently expected over the next week, officials are warning that the season could begin earlier and last longer than usual.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released their climate outlook this week, predicting a "warmer than average" summer season for the West Coast. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Seattle is interpreting that data, saying the region is poised to see above normal temperatures this season and below average precipitation, a combination that could fuel the flames of wildfires.
"Looking at the forecast coming up ... we might be on the precipice of a pretty significant season," said NWS meteorologist Steve Reedy during a news conference on Tuesday. "June will be important in gauging how soon fire season will start, and a look out the window and a look at the forecast should be telling us that it's probably going to be a bit of an early start this year."
Bolstered by a dry April and May, the state is now expected to begin wildfire season earlier than usual — potentially in the coming weeks — and end later than past seasons as well. Warmer temperatures are expected to carry over into October, potentially extending the length of the wildfire season if precipitation does not materialize. The state's typical wildfire season runs July through September.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/washington-wildfire-season-expected-to-start-early-this-year-with-dry-hot-conditions/ar-AALmKtV
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