Dry pattern to continue, along with the heat, fire danger stays high

The heat wave continues in Central Oregon as no relief is in sight from the well above normal heat.  The normal high temperature in Central Oregon is around the low to middle 80s, we have been in the low 100s a good part of the week.  Although the area is not as hot, we are still well above normal.

It is difficult to say that the region is cooling down when the actual temperatures are still in the upper 90s, but it is less than our run of triple digit heat.  The near-term forecast models are continuing the dry and breezy conditions, so the fire danger is still an issue.  The dry ground fuel, the hot and dry air along with a light breeze will lead to rapid fire growth is one is started. 

The Climate Prediction Center released the weekly report called the “Drought Monitor” and we have been downgraded from abnormally dry to moderate drought status. This was due to the hot and dry conditions that deteriorated the water table enough to drop us one category group. Fire risk is high in a moderate drought scenario as well as area water supplies.

Over the weekend we may see some cloud cover, but no rain.  Some locations well east of our Tri-Counties may get some dry lightning, which is often a natural cause for wildfires. 

Bottom line, we are in a long stretch of above normal heat and below normal precipitation.  We need to be aware of the dangers, including health and wildfire prevention.

Stay Safe

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