National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Areas of Fire Weather and Severe Thunderstorms on Friday

Critical fire weather is expected Friday across the Northern Plains, Upper Midwest, and southern High Plains due to gusty winds and low humidity. Severe thunderstorms capable of large to very large hail, wind damage and tornadoes will be possible Friday and Saturday across parts of the central Plains. Read More >

This is a loop of 3.9 micron satellite imagery. This is a near-infrared channel that is sensitive to temperatures.

The image at 0130Z (530 pm PST) shows a black spot at Mt St Helens, indicating very warm temperatures. The subsequent images show the cooling of the volcano, as well as the drifting ash cloud to the east.

Ash plume on satellite image loop