Heat Advisory today, possible record heat with increased fire danger

Bend, Ore (KTVZ) – There is a large ridge of high pressure off the coast that will continue to keep the region dry and sunny. The mercury in the thermometer will cross the 90° mark this afternoon across most of Central Oregon prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Heat Advisory for portions of the region. The dry ground and fuel are also a concern so any spark will allow a fire to spread quickly.  The winds are not expected to be a problem today but are expected to pick up Tuesday.

The record high temperature for June 15^th in Bend is 92° set in 1974, that record is in jeopardy today. The forecast high for Bend is around 90, but may reach the middle 90s if conditions change slightly. Records Redmond and Prineville are safe as they are 98 and 99 respectively.

As the winds pick up Tuesday the fire danger increases. The winds will be arriving from the northwest at around 10 – 15 mph, but may gust near 30 at times. Be aware of anything that may ignite a fire. Highs Tuesday will be in the 90s once again, continuing our well above normal temperature readings. Normal for mid-June are the middle 70s,

Highs remain well above normal Wednesday as the mercury reaches the upper 80s followed by a return of the low 90s on Thursday.

Friday will see in increase in cloud cover and some showers to the southeast of Central Oregon. Some models are forecasting some isolated thunderstorms southeast as well, so that is something we need to monitor.  Although currently expecting a dry and variably cloudy day Friday, we may have to adjust that as we move closer to the end of the week.

Please, Stay safe.

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