LOCAL ALERT WEATHER DAY: Unhealthy Air Quality, stray storms east, hot heading into the weekend

Bend, Ore (KTVZ) – Strong and severe storms crossing the Akawa Fire yesterday caused the fire to run east with aggression. The wind ahead of the fire stalled the southern flank progression but opened up the eastern flank in Deschutes County to expand rapidly. The heavy rain associated with the storms helped by wetting the fuel, but also allowed the fire to throw off significantly more smoke. That smoke is arriving in Central Oregon and our Air Quality is very poor to unhealthy today.

Some storms are possible this afternoon to our east and may impact eastern Crook County late in the day. The winds will be gusty near the storms so fire behavior in the Henry Fire may be increased.

Portions of Central Oregon will go back under a Red Flag Warning Friday afternoon through Saturday evening. The winds and hotter conditions will allow any fires that are active or any that may begin to grow rapidly. Needless to say, we need everyone to be aware of the extreme fire danger we face this summer and need to be aware of anything that may start or spread a fire.

The forecast for Friday includes high temperatures reaching the upper 80s to middle and upper 90s. There is very dry air in place, hence the Red Flag Warning, so we continue along with the high fire danger.

Saturday will be very warm to hot as we hit the upper 80s and some low 90s. The fire danger remains high and we are still in the Extreme Drought Classification over 60% of the Tri-Counties.

The new Drought Monitor is released each Thursday and has zero change from the past two weeks.  The time frame for the observations is Tuesday to Tuesday, so the rains from yesterday are not factored in just yet.

Stay inside as much as you can and button up your house or apartment from the smoke. Check on the elderly in your neighborhood if you can and keep the kiddos inside as best you can as well.

Sunday will be sunny and dry with highs in the upper 80s and that will be the persistent forecast for the next several days.

Please, Stay safe and smart.

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