The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning today for Western Washington due to strong winds, unusually warm temperatures and high humidity that are creating the potential for “explosive fire growth.”

The warning took effect at 11 a.m. today, Wednesday, and extends until midnight.

According to the National Weather Service, a strong upper level ridge is in place over the northwest which is exposing areas above 2000 feet to extremely dry and unstable conditions resulting in an increased fire hazard.

Relative humidity is expected to be about 15 – 25 percent with afternoon temperatures reaching as high as 80 at higher elevations.

The affected areas include Olympic National Park, Olympic Forest, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, North Cascades National Park and Mount Rainier National Park.