The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag warning for our area, in effect from 6 p.m. tonight, Friday, through 11 p.m. Sunday.

A Red Flag warning means critical fire weather conditions are occurring or are expected to occur.

Scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop over the Cascades each afternoon and evening through the weekend, possibly spreading off the mountains into the lowlands. The storms could bring lightning, which combined with dry conditions around the region, means the potential for fire is increased.

The area affected by the warning includes locations in King county east of Interstate 5 and below 1,500 feet in elevation.

Scattered lightning from these storms may strike dry fuel and can cause multiple fire starts.

Erratic and potentially gusty winds, typical along the leading edge of a thunderstorm, may add to dangerous fire conditions.