Thunderstorms expected into the night, fire danger remains

Our Local Alert Weather Day is being defined by strong thunderstorms building in the afternoon heat. Highs today will once again top out above the 90 degree mark, allowing the storms to develop quickly in the heat. There will be isolated storms that could produce very gusty winds, near 40 mph, along with the heavy rain and lightning.

The Storm Prediction Center has our region in the General Thunderstorm Risk category, meaning strong storm possible, but not likely severe. The area is also considered in to be at risk for Dry Thunderstorms as well. There is a Red Flag Warning (also referred to as a Fire Weather Warning) until 9 pm tonight for our Tri-Counties. Areas to our south, east and north are under the warnings until Wednesday evening.

Tomorrow, portions of the region are under the Elevated Risk for Fires due to the winds that will be generated in the afternoon. The flow of air is arriving from the coast, but storms to the Southeast may also push some gusty winds our way. We must be on alert for any fire starts, the chance for rapid growth is increased this week. The heat from the past couple of days, along with the dry air had created a higher than normal risk in the region.

Wednesday will be partly cloudy with some gusty winds from the west and some outflow winds from the southern and eastern storms. Some storms in Malheure and Harney Counties may be severe.

Thursday looks to be much cooler, but still warm with highs in the low 80s. Currently the Fourth of July looks to be quiet, but a few rogue storms are possible in the afternoon. Highs will be near 80 as well.
Please stay safe. 

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