Wildfire — Bristol Bay, Alaska

2022-06-09 · Bristol Bay, Alaska

Event narrative

Red Flag Warning was originally in effect for lightning beginning 09/22Z (2pm AKDT), then hot dry windy was added at 09/23:23Z (3:23pm AKDT) because there were observations that were meeting the criteria.

Based on 15-min GLD data, lightning began at 10/00:15Z (4:15pm AKDT). The most electrically active storm occurred at 10/01:00Z (5pm AKDT) and had about 26 lightning strikes in 15 min (equivalent to Lightning Activity Level (LAL) 5), though most storms had fewer than 15 strikes per 15 min (LAL 1-2). The last strike was observed at 10/03:45Z (7:45pm AKDT).

PATG (Togiak) (note that there were no available obs after 09/0105Z 5:05pm AKDT): Hot, dry, and windy criteria were first met exactly at 09/2130Z/1:30pm AKDT with 75F, 25% RH, and 15 mph winds. The peak of the event looked to be between 2pm and 3:15pm on the 9th, when winds were strongest. For June 9, MaxT was 79F, MinRH 21%, wind 22G26 mph. Criteria were consistently met through 09/2325Z/3:25pm AKDT, then intermittently through 10/0105Z/5:05pm AKDT.

Wider weather episode

An upper level ridge built over Southwest Alaska June 8th and remained over the area through the 10th. At the surface, a relatively tight pressure gradient to some gusty winds in combination with the hot and dry conditions. A few upper level shortwaves moving through the flow aloft helped to aid in lift across the area. Also, daytime heating helped to destabilize the atmosphere leading to increased instability along with some moisture leading to thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening hours.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1045252. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.