Red Flag Warnings take effect Friday afternoon across northern Nevada, northeast California and southwest Idaho, where a cold front will bring gusty winds to very warm, dry terrain.
The National Weather Service offices in Elko, Reno, Medford and Boise upgraded earlier Fire Weather Watches to Red Flag Warnings.
A Red Flag Warning means critical fire weather conditions are occurring or will shortly. Any fire that develops can spread rapidly.
Northeast Nevada: Active Wildfires
NWS Elko’s warning runs 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. PDT Friday.
It covers Humboldt County, Quinn, western and central Elko County, eastern Elko County, and northern Eureka and Lander counties north of I-80.
Winds will be 15 to 25 mph, gusting 25 to 35 mph. Humidity will fall to 10 to 15 percent.
The highest threat is in fire zones 437 and 469, where active wildfires could spread further in high winds.
A Fire Weather Watch remains in effect Saturday morning through Saturday evening. Winds will be stronger, at 20 to 25 mph with gusts of 35 to 40 mph. Humidity will be 19 to 22 percent.
NWS Elko says winds will build into the weekend.
Northwest Nevada and Northeast California
NWS Reno’s warning runs 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. PDT Friday.
It covers Surprise Valley in California, Eastern Lassen County and Northern Washoe County.
West winds of 15 to 20 mph will gust to 35 mph. Minimum humidity will be 12 to 17 percent.
NWS Reno warned that a very warm, dry October has set the stage.
Modoc County, California
NWS Medford’s warning runs 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. PDT Friday.
It covers Modoc County except Surprise Valley, including Newell, Canby, Alturas and Adin.
West winds of 15 to 25 mph will gust to 35 mph. Afternoon humidity will bottom out around 15 percent.
Southwest Idaho
NWS Boise’s warning runs 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. MDT Friday.
It covers the Owyhee Mountains and Southern Highlands, with the greatest concern in the southern half of those zones.
West winds of 15 to 25 mph will gust to 35 mph. Humidity will be 12 to 18 percent, with highs of 80 to 86.
The winds come ahead of a cold front expected to pass Friday night.
Relief This Weekend
The pattern changes quickly. NWS Elko expects rain across eastern Nevada Sunday, mostly Sunday afternoon and evening.
NWS Boise expects much cooler temperatures and more precipitation this weekend, especially over higher terrain and south-central Idaho.
Safety Reminders
Avoid anything that can spark near dry vegetation, including yard work, target shooting and campfires.
Follow local fire restrictions. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
Sign up for your county’s emergency alerts, and know your evacuation plan.
For live updates, follow NWS Elko, NWS Reno, NWS Medford and NWS Boise on X.
