Sat Aug 02 15:40:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewrite as a news article:

**Summary:**

Seattle residents should enjoy the sunny weather on Thursday, as temperatures will reach the low 80s before a cooling trend begins that night. This cooling trend will bring cloudy skies and possible light rain, which is welcome news for decreasing wildfire risk due to the region’s recent dry spell. However, a red flag warning is in effect for the Eastern Cascades due to potential thunderstorms and high winds, which could exacerbate fire danger. The Bear Gulch fire in the Olympic National Forest is also a concern, with evacuation orders in place near Lake Cushman. Flash flood watches are in effect for burn scars throughout the Cascades due to unstable soil conditions after previous wildfires.

**News Article:**

**Seattle Braces for Cooling Trend After Final Day of Summer Sun**

Seattle, WA – Seattleites should make the most of Thursday’s sunshine, as temperatures are expected to peak in the low 80s before a cooling trend settles in, bringing cloudy skies and a chance of light rain. Forecasters predict the change will begin Thursday night, offering a welcome respite from the recent dry weather that has heightened wildfire concerns. Temperatures are expected to remain about 5 degrees cooler than average through Tuesday.

“We certainly do need it,” said National Weather Service meteorologist Jacob DeFlitch, referring to the potential rainfall. “We’ve been on the drier side for the last month, and we’re in peak wildfire season, so any rain we would get would be a benefit.”

However, the break in the heat doesn’t come without its own set of risks. A red flag warning has been issued for the Eastern Cascades between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. Thursday, due to the possibility of thunderstorms, lightning, hot temperatures, and high winds. These conditions could easily ignite new fires or cause existing ones to spread rapidly.

The Bear Gulch fire in the Olympic National Forest continues to burn, having consumed nearly 2,000 acres and less than 10% contained. Evacuation orders are in effect for areas near the Dry Creek Trail, including the Staircase Campground and areas north of Lake Cushman. Residents south of Dry Creek are under a Level 1 evacuation alert, meaning they should prepare for possible evacuation. Smoke from the fire may cause hazy conditions in the Olympic Peninsula.

Adding to the weather-related concerns, flash flood watches are in place for burn scar areas throughout the Cascades, including the Bolt Creek burn scar along U.S. 2. Previous wildfires have left the soil unstable, increasing the risk of mudslides and flash floods.

Residents are advised to stay weather-aware, especially when planning outdoor activities, and to have access to safe shelter in case of thunderstorms.

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