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Red Flag Warnings remain in effect across N. California as strong north winds increase fire activity
Gusty winds increased fire activity on Saturday, forcing more than 100,000 people to abandon their homes including 3,000 from the city of Santa Rosa, as of Saturday, Cal Fire reported.
More than 10,000 fire personnel are trying to control 16 large wildfires that in total have burned at least 214,000 acres (~86,600 hectares).
These extremely destructive blazes, have destroyed an estimated 5,700 structures, killing at least 40 people, with hundreds of others reported as missing including 235 in Sonoma County alone.
The death toll is expected to rise as cadaver dogs begin searching the rubble from thousands of incinerated homes.
Red Flag Warnings
Red Flag Warnings remain in effect across Northern California due to strong north winds, which have already increased fire activity. A Red Flag Warning is also in effect in Southern California through the weekend, Cal Fire reported.
Deadliest Wildfires in California History
The wildfires are now the deadliest in California history, surpassing the previous record of 29 deaths from the 1933 Griffith Park fire in Los Angeles.
Wildfire Season Currently Third Worst in the US History
This year’s wildfire season is currently (Saturday, October 14) the third worst in the US history, with more than 8.7 million acres charred, behind 2015 (9.3 million acres) and 2012 (8.9 million acres). The ten-year annual average (2006 – 2016) is 6 million acres, according to NIFC.
Since Monday, aircraft across CA have dropped over 2 million gallons of retardant to help aid firefighters on the ground. #CAwildfirespic.twitter.com/hp2gXsRrVZ
107 wildfires burning over 23,000 acres across Florida
Florida governor has declared a state of emergency following intense wildfires that have burned thousands of acres across the Sunshine State.
Wildfires are currently burning in Polk, Hernando, Broward, Nassau, Pasco, Mario, Glades and Collier counties.
Some 107 wildfires burning 23,000 acres across the state, as of April 11, the Florida Forest Service reported.
Wildfires have consumed 68,000 acres across the state, since February, an amount is higher than the average acreage charred over the past five years.
Wildfires have consumed 250 percent more acreage January – March than during the same period last year.
Moderate to severe drought conditions are expanding across Central and South Florida, while abnormally dry conditions exist across NE Florida, reported the U.S. Drought Monitor, with the dry conditions forecast to worsen over the coming weeks.
Massive wildfires destroy tens of thousands of cattle, other farm animals in Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas
At least 6 people have been killed and six others injured as fires engulfed multiple ranches destroying or damaging dozens of properties.
Significant cattle losses have been reported in the disaster zone.
Red-flag warnings are in effect across parts of Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska due to critical wildfire conditions, the National Weather Service reported.
Mongolian herders risk losing their livestock and livelihoods as Dzud looms
Extreme winter conditions known as ‘Dzud,’ a cyclical slow-onset disaster unique to Mongolia, are being exacerbated by a summer drought and extreme overgrazing, leading to insufficient hay for winter grazing, said a report.
“This, coupled with heavy snows and freezing temperatures is causing large numbers of animals to die from starvation. Parts of Mongolia are experiencing continuous heavy snowfall and snowstorms with average temperatures below – 25 degrees Celsius during daytime and around – 40 degrees during the night. More than 80,000 herder families (around 400,000 people) in the northern and western part of the country are at risk, with millions of livestock facing starvation in the coming weeks and months.”
Both the weather conditions and the state of grazing are worse than they were in the Dzud of 2009-2010, when millions of animals died, said the Mongolian Ministry of Food and Agriculture. “Tens of thousands of households lost all or more than half of their animals and many of these families were forced to move to slum areas on the outskirts of Ulaan Baatar and other urban centers. Large scale migration to the cities resulting from loss of livelihood among herders has magnified urban social problems such as unemployment, crime, alcoholism, domestic violence and extreme poverty.”
Europe faces an imminent humanitarian crisis
A rapid build-up of people in already over-stretched Greece is threatening Europe with imminent humanitarian crisis, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, warned today.
“With governments not working together despite having already reached agreements in a number of areas, and country after country imposing new border restrictions, inconsistent practices are causing unnecessary suffering and risk being at variance with EU and international law standards,” UNHCR spokesperson Adrian Edwards told reporters in Geneva.
Edwards added that as of last night (Monday), the number of refugees and migrants in Greece and needing accommodation had soared to 24,000. Around 8,500 of these were at Eidomeni, near the border with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
“At least 1,500 had spent the previous night in the open. The crowded conditions are leading to shortages of food, shelter, water and sanitation. Tensions have been building, fuelling violence and playing into the hands of people smugglers,” Edwards stressed.
As of March 1, some 131,724 people had crossed the Mediterranean during January and February with 122,637 of them landing in Greece.”This is approaching the total for the first half of 2015 (147,209). So far, 410 lives have been lost.”
Critical fire weather conditions and Arctic airmass impacting U.S.
Critical fire weather conditions to impact at least seven states, as Arctic airmass moves into Northern U.S., said NWS.
NWS has issued Red Flag Warnings for all or parts of at least seven states in central and southern Plains.
Meanwhile, temperatures are forecast to drop by up to 15 degrees below average over the Great
Lakes/Ohio Valley to parts of the Tennessee Valley.
Snow, colder temperatures and gusty winds will continue to impact the northern Great Lakes, northeast and New England. Strong thunderstorms are possible in the southeast. In the Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies, mountain snow and valley rain are expected. Critical fire weather conditions will impact the central and southern Plains.
Bluff or True? Sick Saudi terrorists claim they have nuke warheads
“Warning: Saudi Arabia, although a signatory to the Nuclear Weapons Non- Proliferation Treaty has just, in violation of its pledge, acquired atomic bombs from Pakistan.” http://www.voltairenet.org/article190499.html
Numerous Freeze Warnings, Watches, and Frost Advisories issued for 18 states in NE, Mid-Atlantic
The US National Weather Service has made the following forecast for the Middle Atlantic and Northeast:
Coldest airmass of the fall season has overspread the Middle Atlantic and Northeast; warming up this week
The coldest temperatures so far this season have overspread the Northeast and mid-Atlantic this weekend. Numerous Freeze Warnings, Watches, and Frost Advisories are in effect. A warm-up is in store this week. Meanwhile, heavy rain and flash flooding continue to be possible in portions of the Southwest and Great Basin.
Red Flag Warnings
Red Flag warnings are in effect in eastern Kansas, SE Nebraska, Most of Iowa, N Illinois, NW Indiana and northern half of Missouri.
70 Large fires or complexes char nearly 8,000 km² across 7 U.S. states
Currently, 70 large wildfires or complexes have burned nearly 2 million acres (~ 8,000 km²) across seven U.S. states, NIFC reported.
The fires are burning in Alaska (1), California (10), Idaho (17), Montana (16), Oregon (10), Texas (4) and Washington (12).
Two hundred soldiers based out of Fort Lewis, Washington have been deployed in Washington state to assist the civilian fie crews,
Dozens of crews and fire management personnel from Canada, Australia and elsewhere have also been deployed.
Preparedness: Level 5
[Geographic Areas are experiencing major incidents which have the potential to exhaust all agency fire resources. Eighty percent (80%) of Type 1 and Type 2 Incident Management Teams and crews are committed, as well as the majority of other National Resources.]
Acres from active fires: 1,954,138
Number of new large fires: 9
Number of active large fires: 70 (individual fires in complexes not included)
Year-to-date statistics 2015 (1/1/15 – 8/29/15)
Fires: 43,396 – Acres: 7,825,559 (an area nearly the size of state of Maryland)
Annual average prior 10 years (2005-2014)
Fires: 52,884 – Acres: 5,467,292
Warnings
Red Flag Warnings, Air Quality Alerts or Dense Smoke Advisories due to wildfires are currently in effect across vast swathes of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.
Up to 30,000 people evacuated from California towns threatened by Wildfires
Raging wildfires have prompted mandatory evacuations for residents of multiple towns and communities in California including Burns Canyon, Rimrock, Barton Flats, Seven Oaks, Ranbow Lane and Heart Bar, while a voluntary evacuation remained in place in Pioneertown, said fire officials.
Meanwhile, residents in several other communities including Lake Williams, Erwin Lake, and Baldwin Lake have been warned of possible evacuation orders.
About 400 campers were also ordered to leave the Lake Williams area on Wednesday, as authorities closed Roadways and campgrounds throughout the areas threatened by wildfires, or affected by the smoke.
More than 1,000 residents in Santa Clarita, LA County, were also ordered to flee their homes late on Wednesday, fire officials said.
Alaska Wildfires
More than 300 wildfires are burning across the state of Alaska. Two major fires, the Sockeye fire and The Card Street fire, have destroyed or damaged more than 100 structures.
Meanwhile, the community of Aniak in Southwest Alaska began evacuating some of its residents Thursday as smoke from a 2,500-acre North Aniak Fire wildfire burning nearby blanketed the village, said a report.
State Disaster
Gov. Walker declared a state disaster on June 19 in response to damages caused by multiple wild land fires on the Kenai Peninsula, including the Card Street Fire near Sterling.
Walker also declared a state disaster in response to widespread damages caused by the Sockeye Fire in Willow and the surrounding region on June 16.
State of Oregon
In Oregon, Gov. Brown has declared drought emergencies for 20 out of Oregon’s 36 counties so far, said spokesman for the Oregon Office of Emergency Management.
Large forest fire are burning in Siskiyou National Forest and Whitman National Forest.
State of Washington
Gov. Inslee declared a statewide drought emergency for Washington in May due to the snowpack being at historic lows, dwindling rivers and irrigation districts being forced to cut off water to farmers.
Wildfires burning in 10 states
Wildfires are burning in 10 states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington.
Warnings, Advisories and Watches
Red Flag Warnings, Excessive Heat Warnings,Heat Advisories, Excessive Heat Watches, Fire Weather Watches Air Quality Alerts, and/or Dense Smoke Advisories are currently in effect across most of the West, and parts of multiple other states.
Dozens of fires are burning tens of thousands of acres (hectares) across eight U.S. States—Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Montana, Minnesota, New Mexico and Washington .
Federal Authorities have already declared Fire Management Assistance Declaration for at least three of the most destructive fires:
Arizona Kearney River Fire (FM-5086)
Alaska Card Street Fire (FM-5085)
Alaska Sockeye Fire (FM-5084)
The fires have destroyed scores of buildings and forced thousands of evacuations across the affected areas.
Some 60 wildfires of all sizes are currently raging across Alaska.
Red Flag Warnings and/or Excessive Heat Warnings are currently in effect in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado and Nevada.
Alaska Gov. Walker declared a state disaster last week in response to widespread damages caused by the Sockeye Fire wildfire in Willow and the surrounding region.
Deadly new wildfires are raging in eastern Siberia claiming at least three lives in Zabaikal region, while many others have been killed in similar blazes further west, said local officials.
In Khakassia (southern Siberia), at least 23 people lost their lives and about 500 others were injured, many of them severely. The blazes have also destroyed more than 1,300 homes, killed thousands of farm animal.
Up to a 100 blazes in Zabaikal have incinerated tens of thousands of hectares of grassland and continue to burn uncontrollably.
Critical fire weather conditions: Northern Plains, Rockies and Great Basin
The NWS Storm Prediction Center expects critical fire weather conditions to persist on Tuesday for portions of the Northern Plains into the Rockies and Great Basin. This critical fire weather threat is due to a combination of above normal temperatures, very gusty winds, and low relative humidity. Any fires that start in these areas will quickly spread and become hard to control.
Red Flag Warnings, Extreme Fire Danger, Fire Weather Watch, High Wind Warning, Gale Warning and Hazardous Weather Outlook and are in effect across portions of at least 20 states.
Dangerous fire weather remains across Southwest, as significant severe weather event brews in central US: NWS
Critical fire weather conditions have been forecast for portions of southern Nevada, southern and eastern Utah, far western and south-central Colorado, northern and eastern Arizona, New Mexico and west Texas, said National Weather Service (NWS).
“A very dry airmass is in place across this region and another day of elevated to critical fire weather conditions is expected.”
Abnormally warm temperatures, dry fuels, strong winds and very low humidity will keep dangerous fire weather conditions in the Southwest through Thursday, said the forecast.
“In addition, conditions continue to look favorable for a significant severe weather event for the central U.S. starting Wednesday. Locally damaging winds, very large hail and tornadoes will be possible.”
Red Flag Warnings
Red Flag Warnings are in effect throughout New Mexico. Red Flag Warnings and fire weather watches have also been issued for large portions of Arizona, Colorado and Texas, as well as parts of Utah, Wyoming, Kansas and Oklahoma.
Extreme fire conditions prompts mass evacuations near California-Oregon border
A fast-moving wildfire in the Klamath National Forest near California-Oregon border is exhibiting extreme conditions amid rising temperatures, high winds and very low relative humidity, prompting officials to extend mandatory evacuation orders over a large area.
The lightning-sparked ‘Happy Camp Complex Fire’ has been burning in the Klamath National Forest since August 11, blackening about 77,000 acres, according to Inciweb.
Fire Details
Date Started: August 11, 2014
Containment: 19 percent for the complex (Zone 1 + Zone 2)
Size: 76,959 acres total for the complex
Total Personnel: 2,847
Estimated Cost to Date: $44.7 million
Committed Resources: 91 crews, 13 helicopters, 133 engines, 21 dozers, 44 water tenders, 29 mules, 8 horses
The Klamath National Forest is under an emergency closure. An evacuation center for both zones was established at the Winema Hall of the Siskiyou County Fairgrounds in Yreka, CA.
Zone 1: Mandatory evacuations remain in place along the Scott Valley Road, south of highway 96 from Johnsons Bar to Seiad Valley. Additional mandatory evacuations include the area north of highway 96 from Johnsons Bar to Seiad Valley.
Zone2: Scott River Road remains closed and under mandatory evacuation from Johnson Bar south to Bridge Flat. Traffic along the Scott River Road is being monitored by Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Department.
[Previous evacuation orders were issued for about 300 homes, but no information is yet released regarding the extended evacuation areas.]
Red Flag Warnings
Red Flag Warnings remain in effect for the entire western Oregon and large parts of northern California, as of posting.
EXTREME WEATHER & CLIMATIC EVENTS EXTREME CLIMATE HAZARDS DROUGHT RECORD HEAT RED FLAG WARNINGS NIGHTMARE SCENARIO 101 .
Red Flag Warnings Continue across Southwest, Great Plains
Another day of dangerous fire weather conditions continues across the U.S. Southwest and Great Plains, according to NWS forecast.
Record heat, “long duration single-digit humidity,” and strong, gusty winds of over 50mph have combined to create extensive critical fire-weather conditions across a vast region, prompting the the National Weather Service (NWS) to raise Red Flag Warnings across much of the Southwest and into the Great Plains.
“Elevated to critical fire weather conditions continue across most of the Southwest into the Great Plains, with an area of Extremely Critical risk highlighted in extreme south central Kansas into the eastern Texas Panhandle. Record heat, gusty winds and low relative humidity values will continue the high fire danger through at least Wednesday,” NWS forecast.
U.S. Weather Hazards Map (Hazmap) for May 6, 2014.UPDATE.
National High and Low Temperature
(for the contiguous United States)
NWS Weather Prediction Center, College Park, MD – Issued 8 pm EDT Monday, May 5, 2014
High Temperature for Monday, May 5, 2014
41.7ºC (107 degrees) at Altus, OK
Low Temperature for Monday, May 5, 2014
-4.4ºC (24 degrees) at Mount Washington, NH
-4.4ºC (24 degrees) at Doe Lake, MI
-4.4ºC (24 degrees) at 6 miles east of Champion, MI
Unusually late winter storm pounding U.S. Mid-Atlantic
Late winter storm impacting central Appalachians and mid-Atlantic through Monday, just 4 days before the spring, dumping between six and 13.5 inches (34cm) of snow on parts of West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and southern New Jersey, shutting schools and federal offices and forcing hundreds of flight cancellations. The hardest hit area was Washington, D.C., said NWS. .
High wind and warm weather over the Desert Southwest has prompted NWS to issue Red Flag Warnings for large parts of at least seven states, including Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas , Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas.
Hazardous weather warnings include Winter Storm Warning, High Wind Warning, Flood Warning, Gale Warning and Red Flag Warning.
Weather Hazards Map (Hazmap) for Monday, March 17, 2014. Issued at 14:26UTC. Source: NWS.UPDATE
National Low and High Temperature
(for the contiguous United States)
Issued by NWS Weather Prediction Center at 8 am EDT Monday, March 17, 2014
Low
-29ºC (-20 degrees) at Berlin, NH
-29ºC at Mount Washington, NH
High
34.5ºC (94 degrees) at Miramar NAS, CA
34.5ºC at Death Valley, CA
Temperature spread (calculated by FIRE-EARTH) = 63.5ºC (114.3 degrees).
Compare:
National Low and High Temperature – Issued 7 pm EST Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Low: -38ºC (-37 degrees) at Embarrass, MN
High: 29ºC (84 degrees) at Camarillo, CA
Temperature spread for Jan. 21 was 67ºC (121 degrees).
FIRE-EARTH Forecast
On January 7, 2014 FIRE-EARTH said [Google and WordPress censored]:
FIRE-EARTH Models show more Extreme Weather Events could wreak havoc across North America in the coming days and weeks.
L.A. Basin blanketed by smoke as Colby fire burns 1,700 acres, destroying homes and forcing mass evacuations
Red Flag Warning is in effect for much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties due to gusty Santa Ana winds and very low humidities, said NWS.
A fast-moving wildfire that started in the hills above Glendora has consumed more than 1,700 acres, destroying homes, forcing thousands to evacuate, and enveloping much of the Los Angeles Basin in a thick pall of smoke.
The blazed has destroyed at least five homes and damaged 2 dozen outbuildings and other structures, said fire officials. About 600 fire crews have been deployed.
The event is significant because it may herald an unprecedented winter fire season amid the driest conditions ever recorded in the region.
High pressure over the Great Basin will continue to generate gusty Santa Ana winds over Los Angeles and Ventura counties. These winds should strengthen some this evening then remain gusty into Friday, before weakening Friday afternoon into Saturday. The strongest winds will occur in the afternoon through evening hours. Peak gusts to around 50 mph are expected in the mountains, with gusts peaking to around 40 mph range in the valleys. –NWS
The relative humidities would stay between 6 – 8 percent with temperatures forecast to reach 90s.
Mercury (!) rises above 86 degrees at Oceanside, CA
Warm, dry Santa Ana winds drove temperatures to record or near-record highs in southern California on Wednesday.
National High and Low Temperature (for the contiguous United States)
High Temperature for Wednesday: 86ºF (30ºC) at Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, CA
Low Temperature for Wednesday: -22ºF (-30ºC) at Mount Washington, NH
Source: NWS Weather Prediction Center, College Park, MD – Issued 7 pm EST Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Long Beach reported highs of above 83 degrees, 2 degrees above the 1972 daily record for Xmas, according to NWS.
As of December 24, 2013 California had broken or tied a total of 43 daily high temperatures for the month.
Santa Ana Winds
The arrival of Santa Ana winds coupled with very low relative humidity prompted the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue Red Flag Warnings for much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
Moderate to locally strong Santa Ana winds will continue across the mountains of Los Angeles and Ventura counties and associated coast and valley areas through Thursday afternoon. The offshore winds will strengthen into Thursday morning with gusts up to 40 – 45 mph.
Poor relative humidity recoveries are expected tonight with many locations remaining below 25 percent. On Thursday, conditions will continue to dry with areas of single digit relative humidities likely along with well above normal temperatures for most areas. Very dry conditions are likely to persist into Friday, but with much lighter winds.
A red flag warning remains in effect for much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties through Thursday due to the combination of moderate offshore winds, low humidities, warm temperatures, and abnormally dry fuels. —NWS
TS KAREN Heading North, Record Snow in West, Tornadoes Hit Nebraska and Iowa
Tornado Warnings, Severe Thunderstorm Warnings, Severe Weather Statements, Civil Emergency Messages, Blizzard Warnings, Winter Storm Warnings, High Wind Warnings, Tropical Storm Warnings, Flood Warnings, Gale Warnings, Hard Freeze Warnings, Freeze Warnings, Red Flag Warnings, as well as dozens of Watches and Advisories have been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS), as extreme weather events pound large portions of the U.S.
Record-setting Snow Storm
A record-setting snowstorm is buffeting large section of Wyoming, Nebraska and South Dakota. Up to two feet of snow is covering parts of Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa and Oklahoma, affecting millions of people
Tropical Storm KAREN
Meantime, up to five inches of rain and destructive winds are forecast to hit the Gulf’s northern coastline as TS KAREN continues to grow larger.
Mandatory evacuations are under way in Plaquemines parish , Louisiana, due to the threat of storm surge as TS KAREN closes in.
U.S. Weather Hazards Map – October 5, 2013
U.S. Tornado Reports
At least 2 dozen injuries reported in Wayne County, Nebraska as a result of tornadoes in the past 24 hours.
At least 17 tornadoes reported in Nebraska and Iowa over the past 24 hours: Storm Prediction Center
Santa Ana Wind Continues
Santa Ana Winds with gusts of up to 66MPH combined with very low humidity are creating ideal conditions in California.
Explosive wildfires prompt state of emergency declaration in Montana
Gov Bullock has issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency in 31 Montana counties, enabling the state to tap the Montana National Guard for helicopters, personnel and other resources.
“To the extent that we need to, we can call on the National Guard to use their assets — their air assets and individuals to help out on state fires,” Bullock said. “First and foremost, we need to ensure individuals are safe, that firefighters are safe. We can figure out the cost of resources later.”
Hundreds under evacuation order as Lolo Complex wildfire spreads
West Fork Fire approx 10 miles west of Lolo, Missoula, MT. August 20, 2013. Credit: Lolo National Forest/USFS.
West Fork Fire approx 10 miles west of Lolo, Missoula, MT. August 20, 2013. Credit: Lolo National Forest/USFS.
Sparked by lightning on August 19, the ferocious Lolo Creek Complex Wildfire has grown explosively consuming more than 5,000 acres, destroying at least 8 structures, prompting hundreds of evacuations and threatening to join the Schoolhouse fire.
“This is a troubling fire for a number of reasons,” said Montana State Forester Bob Harrington. “All along this canyon, along with the side canyons, we have hundreds of homes, as well as the commercial districts in the town of Lolo. This is very problematic.”
U.S. Weather Hazard Map
Red Flag Warnings, other Warnings, Watches and Advisories for August 20, 2013. Source: NWS. Map enhanced by FIRE-EARTH.
A thunderstorm that moved through Mountain Home, Idaho late Thursday evening sparked at least eleven new fires on the Boise District BLM. Several of the fires north of Mountain Home have burned together due to the relative close proximity of their ignitions and a high rate of spread. Fire managers are estimating the total acreage for all the fires is now over 30,000 acres. This includes the Dixie and Village fires that started on the Boise National Forest. These fires are under full suppression strategies and are aggressively being fought by multiple agencies.
The following fires are included in the Pony Complex.
1. MM 111 Hwy 20-12,000 acres. Along Hwy 20 north of Mountain Home.
2. Long Tom-12,000 acres. 4 miles southwest of Anderson Ranch Reservoir.
3. Air-200 acres. 2 miles south of Mountain Home Air Force Base.
4. Mudd-8,000 acres. 9 miles north of Mountain Home.
5. MM 99 I-84-400 acres. Mile marker 99 on Interstate 84.
6. Longhorn-500 acres. 9 miles north of Mountain Home.
The South Fork of the Boise River Road and access to Prairie via Black’s Creek Road, Cow Creek Road and the Dixie Cutoff remains closed due to fire activity.
Date of Origin: Thursday August 08th, 2013 approx. 09:00 PM
Location: Mountain Home, Idaho
Growth Potential: High
Terrain Difficulty: High
Wind Conditions: 10 mph SE
Temperature: 90 degrees
Humidity: 8% Comments: “This wildfire is especially dangerous because of how fast it’s moving.”
Lightning caused by storms could ignite new wildfires in the West and Pacific Northwest, NWS reported.
“A strong weather system will move through the Pacific Northwest and across the northern Rockies over the course of the week. Dry, gusty winds are already contributing to increased fire danger in this region, but conditions will worsen on Wednesday as the weather system brings a chance of ‘dry’ thunderstorms. The lightning from these storms could ignite new wildfires that could spread rapidly.”
Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watch areas highlighted on the U.S. Weather Hazards Map, July 31, 2013. Source: NWS
Alert:
THUNDERSTORMS WITH ABUNDANT LIGHTNING POSSIBLE STARTING TONIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY NIGHT.
A LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL BRING SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS ALONG THE CASCADE EAST SLOPES TONIGHT. AS THE LOW MOVES INLAND WEDNESDAY AND WEDNESDAY NIGHT.
THUNDERSTORMS WILL GRADUALLY INCREASE IN COVERAGE. STORMS WILL THEN CONTINUE THROUGH THURSDAY. STORMS WILL INITIALLY START OUT WITH LIGHT AMOUNTS OF RAIN AND THEN BECOME INCREASINGLY WETTER WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND THURSDAY.See detailed hazards viewer …
Hundreds of homes evacuated, two highways closed as wildfires spread across Central Washington
Mile Marker 28 Fire
More than 200 homes are under mandatory evacuation and two state highways have been closed as several wildfires continue to spread across Central Washington.
Mile Marker 28 Smoke Column. Credit: WIIMT #2
The Mile Marker 28 Fire started on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at approximately 11:00 a.m. and rapidly spread to about 14 square miles. The fire is located 15 miles northeast of Goldendale, Washington along Highway 97 and is burning in grasslands, shrub brush, timber, and timber litter. The cause of the fire is unknown, authorities said.
Date Started: Wednesday July 24th, 2013 approx. 11:00 AM
Location: 15 miles NE of Goldendale, Washington along State Highway 97
Size: 8,956 acres (14 square miles)
Growth Potential: High
Humidity: 18 percent
Evacuation information Released by
EVACUATION LEVEL UPDATE: Due to spotting and the southward movement of the fire, the following areas are being upgraded to LEVEL 3 (Immediate Evacuation): All residences east of US-97 in Township 5N, Range 17E, Sections 25-30. These areas include Piney Woods Rd, Thompson Trail, Toad Road, Indian Basin, Indian Hill Trail, England Dr, Shajewabe Rd, Pinto Pony Rd, Camplin Rd, Black Label Ln, and Buckskin Rd. All residences located in Township 5N, Range 18E, Sections 29 & 30. These areas include Ekone Rd, Harbison Rd, Old Mountain Rd (north of Old Cabin Rd) the north side of Ownby Rd. All residences west of US-97 within Township 5N, Range 17E, Sections 4, 8, 17-20, & 30. These areas include Dry Creek Rd, Jenkins Creek Rd, Christie Rd, Home Place Ln, Lane Dr. All level three evacuation notices previously issued remain in place.
UPGRADED LEVEL 2 NOTIFICATIONS: The following locations are being upgraded to LEVEL 2 EVACUATION (Potential Evacuation) areas: All residences north of Bickleton Hwy in the areas of Township 4N, Range 17E, Sections 1-12, 17-18. These areas include Piluk Ln, Cahill Rd, Log Cabin Rd, Chisholm Rd, Oak Springs Rd, Brengo Ln, Badger Gulch, New Hope Farms Rd, Palmer Ln, Pumphouse Rd, Bluff Rd, and Rocky Ridge Rd. All residences north of Bickleton Hwy in Township 4N, Range 18E, Sections 5-8. These areas include Homestead Rd, Hayfield Rd, Holter Rd, Big Springs Rd, and Wheatland Rd.Citizens within these areas are encouraged to make proper preparations for evacuation. This includes, but is not limited to moving animals to alternate locations, packing valuables and heirlooms and moving them to a safe location, and making alternate housing arrangements should this zone be upgraded to a Level 3. Unless otherwise notified by the Klickitat County Sheriffs office, all notifications previously issued remain in place.
CLOSURES: Due to the fire situation, Highway 97 from Toppenish to Goldendale remains closed. Maintenance crews with WSDOT are currently removing large danger trees that have burned from the fire, and crews are also repairing portions of burned guardrail. Fire officials and WSDOT continue to evaluate the situation. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes on State Route 14, State Route 221, and Interstate 82.
25 Mile Fire
A fire in Chelan County has destroyed at least two buildings and forced the evacuation of about 60 homes and cabins along the Columbia River near Quincy, officials said. The fire has engulfed about 2,100 acres.
A third smaller fire has consumed about 100 acres, forcing the closure of Highway 28 west of Soap Lake, said a report.
Red Flag Warnings were in effect earlier in much of Eastern Washington including Goldendale, Tri-Cities, Yakima, Walla Walla, Wenatchee and Moses Lake.
Phoenix daily high temperature hit 119 shattering old record by 2 degrees
Power consumption across western United States surge as life-threatening, record-breaking heat spikes demand load for cooling.
The high temperature at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport hit 119 degrees, shattering the old record set in 1994 by 2 degrees, and making Saturday the fourth hottest day on record. [The hottest day on record at 122 degrees was June 26, 1990.]
At Mccarran International Airport, the official climate station for Las Vegas, the high temperature reached 115 degrees on Saturday, which tied the record for June 29th last set in 1994, NWS reported.
At the National Weather Service office in SW Las Vegas the high temperature reached 118 degrees Saturdy afternoon, shattering the previous all-time record of 117 degrees set on July 5, 2007 and tied on June 28, 2013.
NV Energy in Las Vegas has predicted a surge in power demand for Clark County, said a report.
At Needles, California the high temperature reached 123 degrees on Saturday, setting a new daily record as well as a new all-time record high for June, shattering the previous all-time monthly record of 122 degrees set on June 11, 1918.
Forecast Highs For Selected Locations (NWS/NOAA)
Western U.S. Mega Heat Hazards Map
U.S. Daily Highest Max Temperature Records set on June 28, 2013
Out of a possible 4,676 records: 40 (Broken) + 25 (Tied) = 65 Total – Source: NOAA
Meantime, NWS issued the following forecast:
For much of the Western U.S., excessive heat warnings and heat advisories remain in effect for a major heat wave that is ongoing from the Mexican border northward into the Inter-Mountain West. A big upper level high, combined with subsiding air and abundant sunshine, will allow temperatures to reach dangerously high levels. Some of the lower deserts near the Colorado River may reach 120 degrees! Triple digit heat is also expected for much of the Great Basin going through the weekend and into early next week.
Many of the same locations that broke records on Saturday could break records again on Sunday. One of the hottest places will be Death Valley, California as temperatures will approach 130 degrees
Life-threatening heat in western U.S. to continue into next week
Numerous daily record high maximum temperatures being set or tied on June 28 as a massive area of high pressure is forecast to persist: NWS
California
Bishop California: High temperature at the Eastern Sierra Regional Airport reached 107 degrees, breaking daily record high of 105 degrees set in 1956 [Highest temp of 108 degrees set July 5, 2007.]
Death Valley California: High temperature at the Furnace Creek Visitor`s Center reached 125 degrees, tying daily record set in 1994.
Needles California: High temperature of 121 degrees today broke the old daily record of 119 degrees set in 1994.
Nevada
Las Vegas: High temperature at Mccarran International Airport hit 115 degrees, tying the daily record for June 28th set in 1994.
Mt Charleston Nevada: Hhigh temperature in kyle canyon at 7,450 feet reached 92 degrees, breaking the old daily record of 89 degrees set in 1994.
Arizona
Kingman Arizona: High of 110 degrees today broke the old daily record of 107 set in 1914.
NOTES:
Records date back to 1888 for Needles, 1901 for Kingman, 1911 for Death Valley, 1937 for Las Vegas, 1943 for Bishop and 1980 for Mt Charleston, said NWS.
The above information is preliminary and is subject to a final
review and certification by the national climatic data center.
Record-setting, life-threatening heatwave to impact Southwest, parts of U.S. midsection
Excessive Heat Warning: Prolonged period of intense heat targeting the West!
Massive area of high pressure causing dangerously hot temperatures are forecast across Arizona, Nevada and southeast California Friday through Monday: NWS
U.S. Weather Hazards Map – June 28, 2013. Source: NWS. Record-setting and life-threatening heatwave are forecast across much of the region resulting from a strong area of high pressure across the western United States Friday through Monday.
Excessive Heat Warnings
Excessive Heat Warnings, Excessive Heat Watches, Heat Advisories, Red Flag Warnings, Fire Weather Watches and heat-related Special Weather Statements are currently in effect, or should be expected, across at least 15 states in western, southern and midsection United States this weekend and into next week. —FIRE-EARTH
West Fork Fire Complex not likely to be contained anytime soon
The entire tourist town of South Fork has been evacuated, as a massive complex of three wildfires threatens to torch the southwestern Colorado resort.
The fire exploded to more than doubled the size over the weekend, consuming an estimated 77,000 acres (120 sq miles) by Sunday night, authorities said.
Multiple evacuations and pre-evacuations are in effect for the fire area and vicinity, including 400 permanent residents in South Fork and an estimated 1,200 to 1,500 tourists.
The massive fire has forced the authorities to close multiple roads and trails. The primary closures are Highway 160 from the chain-up area to South Fork, and Highway 149 between South Fork and Creede from mile post 1 through milepost 22, Inciweb said.
The West Fork Complex consists of three wildfires, West Fork, Windy Pass, and Papoose, that are burning on the San Juan and Rio Grande National Forests in southwest Colorado. The fires were combined into a complex on Sunday, June 16.
Fire Summary
Incident Type: Wildfire Cause: Lightning
Complex Size: 76,262 acres [>77,000 acres as of posting.]
Percent Contained: 0%
Date of Origin: Wednesday June 05th, 2013 approx. 12:30 PM
Location 14.5 mi NE of Pagosa Springs
Growth Potential: High
Terrain Difficulty: Extreme [the fires are burning in steep, rugged terrain with large amounts of beetle-killed spruce]
Wind Conditions: 15-25mph; G55 mph SW
Temperature: 75 degrees
Humidity: 11%
Total Personnel: 895 – More arriving
The Fires
Windy Pass Fire: ~1,000 acres
Papoose Fire : ~21,000 acres
West Fork Fire: ~54,000 acres
A Map of West Fork Fire Complex Consisting of Windy Pass, Papoose and West Fork Fires
Other Info
Fuels Involved: Timber with heavy dead standing bug kill
Fire Behavior: Extreme fire behavior observed at the time of submission of this report due to wind and slope aligned crown fire and long range spotting up to 3/4 mile in stands of dead timber. The same is expected in tomorrow’s behavior. Red Flag Warning in effect.
Significant Events
Very active fire behavior. Values at risk are being assessed, evacuations and closures are being evaluated. The long range spotting from yesterday’s plume dominated fire behavior resulted in significant growth north and east of the fire.
The evacuation of South Fork could last up to seven days, said the Incident Commande.
This is the sixth consecutive day that the complex has remained under a Red Flag Warning.
Colorado Wildfires
At least a dozen significant wildfires are currently active in Colorado. The fires have consumed an estimated 200 square miles.
US Weather Hazards Map for June 24, 2013 Showing Red Flag Warnings, Excessive Heat Warnings and Fire Weather Watches across Western United States.Source: NWS
West Fork Complex Fire threatens Colorado town
West Fork Complex wildfire update
Black Forest Fire – Update
Black Forest Fire in the El Paso County: The fire near Colorado Springs burned 14,280 acres, destroying at least 511 homes and damaging 28 others. The fire started on June 11 and was declared 100 percent contained on June 20.
National High and Low Temperature (for the contiguous United States) – NWS Weather Prediction Center, College Park, MD – Issued 8 am EDT Monday, June 24, 2013
High Temperature for Sunday, June 23, 2013: 110 degrees (43.3ºC) at Death Valley, CA
Low Temperature for Monday, June 24, 2013: 32 degrees (0ºC) at Lake Yellowstone, WY 32 degrees at West Yellowstone, MT
Deadly flooding and landslides triggered by extreme rains wreak havoc across northern India
Earliest ever monsoon rains has covered the entire India, according to the country’s Met Office, triggering sever flooding that have inundated hundreds of towns and villages, sweeping away homes, businesses and public infrastructure.
At least 50 people are known to have died, as of posting, and many more are missing.
Footage shows apartment blocks in Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand surrounded by flood waters, before one is swept away.
Mumbai has been crippled by torrential rains and high winds, with many low-lying areas in the city and suburbs flooded.
“The situation is very grim. The meteorological office has predicted that the rain will continue for another three days at least,” said a government spokesman.
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Singapore, Malaysia suffocate as Indonesia forest fires intensify
The air quality index in Malaysia and Singapore fell to unhealthy levels on Monday, as smoke from illegal forest clearing in Indonesia blanketed the region.
Singapore government has advised people to stay indoors, as the pollutant standards index climbed to its highest level in seven years, said a report.
“Given the current hazy conditions, it is advised that children, the elderly and those with heart or lung diseases reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor activities… Everyone else should limit prolonged or heavy outdoor activities,” said Singapore’s National Environment Agency.
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Black Forest Fire: Initial Home Assessment
Updated: June 16, 2013 at approximately 7:30 p.m. (DST) – El Paso County Sheriff’s office
The extent of damage caused by the Black Forest Fire to homes in the region is as follows:
Total Loss: 483
Partial Damage: 17
Note: This is a preliminary home assessment. Due to continuous and dynamic fire activity the information could change.
The blaze was reportedly 65 percent contained, as of posting.
NWS has issued for most of Alaska, as several fires rage across the states, including a lightning-caused fire near Lime Village in the central Kuskokwim River, which grew rapidly Sunday evening. “It had more than doubled, to 12,260 acres, in 48 hours, according to a news release issued at 7:45 p.m. Sunday,” said a report.
Fire danger is expected to be extreme over the next 5 days, forecasters said.
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High and Low Temperature for the Contiguous U.S.
High Temperature for Sunday, June 16, 2013 (as received by 8 am EDT June 17)
114 degrees (45.6ºC) recorded at Ocotillo Wells, CA
Low Temperature for Monday, June 17, 2013 (as received by 8 am EDT June 17)
30 degrees (-1.1ºC) recorded at Stanley, ID
World’s High and Low Temperature
Max Temp. June 17, 2013 at 15:00 UTC
126.5 degrees (52.5ºC) recorded at Socotra, Yemen
Min Temp. June 17, 2013 at 15:00 UTC
-101.4 degrees (-74.1ºC) recorded at Concordia, Antarctica
Fire Earth 