Central Oregon Faces Elevated Fire and Storm Risks as Local Alert Days Begin
Central Oregon is entering a period of heightened weather concern, with Wednesday marking the first of three designated Local Alert Days. A Red Flag Warning is in effect due to critically dry ground fuels and the potential for dangerous lightning strikes to ignite new fires. This warning comes as firefighters continue to battle existing blazes,including the Boulder Fire near Juniper Butte and the Kiwa Fire east of Katalo Butte. Yesterday saw 14 new fire starts, with 12 now contained.
The storm Prediction Center has placed the southeastern portion of Oregon, including parts of southeastern Deschutes and eastern Crook Counties, under a Marginal Risk for Severe storms. These storms,expected later today,could produce wind gusts up to 60 mph. The storms are anticipated to be “high-based,” meaning that as rain falls, it evaporates, cools the air, and causes it to sink, resulting in gusty winds. Isolated instances of strong, straight-line winds are possible in the eastern Tri-counties region this afternoon.
The forecast indicates that Wednesday and Thursday will be more active weather-wise,with strong storms predicted to arrive by mid-afternoon on both days. These storms are expected to bring brief periods of heavy rain, gusty winds, and lightning. While currently in the “General Risk” category for storms, meaning they are not expected to be severe, the potential for dangerous weather conditions, including lightning and gusty winds, remains.Temperatures are forecast to drop into the 80s on Thursday, concluding the month with a rainy and stormy pattern. Thursday is anticipated to be the most active of the three Local Alert Days, with storms occurring intermittently throughout the afternoon. There is a possibility of minor flooding if slow-moving storms deliver meaningful rainfall to localized areas.
the potential for storms may extend into Friday, though these are expected to be more isolated and less widespread. the end of the month is shaping up to be meteorologically active. Residents are advised to remain aware of developing storms and seek shelter if thunder is heard.
This data is based on weather forecasts and fire reports from KTVZ.
