NWS: Heatwave Intensifies Today, Continues Through the Week; Dry Thunderstorms Wednesday

The National Weather Service is predicting dry thunderstorms throughout the Inland Northwest tomorrow, raising concerns for more fires.Photo byNational Weather Service

LEWISTON, ID - The Inland Northwest's recent heatwave will intensify today, and the National Weather Service says it will remain hot throughout the week.

Temperatures in the Inland Northwest will remain hot throughout the week.Photo byNational Weather Service

Dry thunderstorms are forecasted for tomorrow, elevating fire weather concerns.

Fires in southeast Washington and north-central Idaho have caused air quality concerns. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality and Nez Perce Tribe have issued Air Quality Advisories.

"Wildfire smoke may move in and out of the area depending on fire and wind activity; some areas may be more impacted than others. No EPA/NPT burn permits will be approved," the Tribe says in a press release. These actions will remain effective until tomorrow at 10:00 a.m.

Today's air quality in the Lewis-Clark Valley is in the "unhealthy" category.

Wildfire smoke has degraded air quality in the Inland Northwest.Photo byFire AirNow

"Some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects," DEQ says.

For tomorrow and Thursday, the air quality forecast is "unhealthy for sensitive groups."

"Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected," according to DEQ.

"Those who experience greater health effects from smoke include children under 18, elders, pregnant women, people with asthma or have difficulty breathing, diabetes, heart problems or otherwise compromised health, and people who have high exposure (those who work, exercise, or spend extensive time outdoors)," the Tribe says. "Under the most severe pollution levels, sensitive groups should avoid outdoor exposure and limit indoor activities, and everyone should restrict their outdoor activities."

For more information, visit the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map or the Idaho Smoke Blog. Follow AQI health recommendations and review AQI Basics.

The Texas Fire, located east of Kendrick, is approximately 1,200 acres and was reported at around 3:45 p.m. yesterday afternoon. The Cougar Creek Fire, which is burning approximately 26 miles southwest of Clarkston, grew to 520 acres overnight and was reported at 6:30 p.m. yesterday.

The Texas Fire east of Kendrick grew to over 1,200 acres overnight.Photo byLC Valley News

Asotin County firefighters were dispatched to a fire on Silcott Grade Road about five miles west of Clarkston just after 3:00 a.m. this morning.

"Firefighters attacked the fire with hand crews and trucks and were able to contain the fire to about 5 acres," Asotin County Fire District #1 posted on its Facebook page.

Fire Chief Noel Hardin says crews were able to stop the fire before it headed into a steep canyon.

"He said he was happy to see firefighters get control of this fire quickly because firefighting resources are going to be scarce with other fires burning in the area," the department added. "Hardin said the cause of the fire was someone burning pallets in a turnout off the road. He stated there is no burning in Asotin County and if [someone] starts a wildland fire, they could face charges and be responsible for fire suppression costs."

Asotin County firefighters were dispatched to a fire west of Clarkston early this morning. Officials say it was human-caused.Photo byLC Valley News