The National Weather Service issued red-flag warnings on August 22 for multiple zones in eastern Washington and for the Reno and Sierra foothill areas northwestern Nevada in response to thunderstorms, gusty winds, and low relative humidity. NWS Seattle posted a warning that began August 21 at 1:02 PM PDT and ran into August 22, and NWS Boise issued a warning August 22 at 3:59 PM MDT valid into the evening, citing scattered thunderstorms with lightning, gusty winds, and very dry air. Local incident reports note a new wildfire, called the Hawk Fire, burning above Verdi just northwest of Reno and posing an imminent structure threat as it moves northeast under red-flag conditions. Forecasts and advisories also warned of hazardous boating conditions and urged people on the water to get off due to high winds. Several regional forecast offices updated, extended, or canceled warnings for nearby zones as conditions evolved through the day, and fire managers emphasized elevated burning conditions despite winds not being described as extreme. Expect continued active fire weather through the evening in affected zones with potential for additional ignition from lightning and rapid fire growth where the Hawk Fire and other incidents are burning.
