PORT ANGELES — The Olympic Peninsula is bracing for intense heat and fire danger as a late summer heatwave grips Western Washington.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Seattle forecasts rising temperatures through Friday, with a peak expected later today. There is a heat advisory in effect for the north Olympic Peninsula through today.

Coastal areas may see a bit cooler temperatures. Temperatures on Thursday could reach the mid-80s in areas away from the water. Inland areas of parts of western Washington could touch the low 90s. Valleys in the Olympics are facing Major Heat Risk.

A Red Flag Warning is also in effect for the Olympic Mountains, where dry air, low humidity, and gusty winds up to 25 mph could fuel wildfires.