Local Alert Weather Day through Tuesday, spotty storms and fire concerns

BEND, Ore (KTVZ).  The cloud cover and the light rain have been a welcomed addition to the region. The light rain has helped suppress the smoke in the region and the clouds have kept the temperatures in the 70s.  The chance for some isolated storms in the region has kept the Local Alert Day in place today as that may cause some erratic winds near the Flat Fire, but generally the prognosis is good today with respect to the wildfire.

Since Saturday morning the fire has grown little due to the incredible work done by wildland firefighters and air attack forces. The footprint is holding at nearly 22 thousand acres and with the rain and cooler pattern, the advantage goes to the fire fighters.  There is a lot of work to be done, but the weather is cooperating, verses being a hindrance.

Tuesday still brings a chance for some storms, which may generate gusty winds and problems for fire fighters.  The storms are expected to arrive in the afternoon and may be robust.  This is why we have the Local Alert Day for Tuesday.  The temperature forecast is still calling for above normal readings in the upper 80s, so the percolation process will be what helps the storms develop.  The storms will not be very widespread, but if they pop and drop, they will be impactful. Keep and eye to the sky if you are out and about.

Wednesday is a day of concern as well since storms are still on the table. The nature of the storms will once again be middle to late afternoon pop and drop storms. There may be a good deal of lightning so the chance for a new fire start is always a concern. The temperatures are going to be in the low 80s, so the ferocity of the storms may not be as robust, but any storm is a dangerous storm so be alert.  A Local Alert Day may be issued for Wednesday as well.

Thursday through the weekend will be a mix of clouds and sunshine as the region starts to dry out. We should start to warm up once again to the upper 80s as we close out the last full week of August.

The last weekend of August will be mostly sunny and warm with highs in the middle 80s.

Stay safe.

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