Heat Advisory in place through Friday, spotty storms late Friday night

Bend, Ore (KTVZ) – A Heat Advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service for most of Central Oregon and through the Columbia River Basin east of the Cascades. Highs will reach the middle to upper 90s today and the middle 90s Friday. Low end advisory levels for Central Oregon, so make sure to stay hydrated and in the shade as much as possible.

Friday will be the end of the 90-degree run with highs hitting the low 90s before an area of low pressure off the coast moves inland Friday night and brings in the cooler conditions. There is a chance for some dry thunderstorms across the Cascades Friday evening, so the concern for new fire starts is elevated.

The new Drought Monitor was released today by the Climate Prediction Center and to no one’s surprise we have increased our foot print of the extreme category.  Over 90% of the tri-counties is now in the extreme level as compared to 80% last week. Reservoirs are low, stream flows are low, crops are dying and animals are stressed. High fire danger is very concerning in these conditions.

We have had, and still have, a number of fires this season. The fire fights are going well, but they are not extinguished. The fires inside the perimeters of these events continue to smolder and remain hot. Tuesday, we saw the Rowe Creek Complex West Zone flair up, an example of why the fire fighters continue to “patrol” and “mop up” the interior for months.

Just a note, lightning has started most of the fires this season here in Oregon, so we don’t need any human caused fires to add to the destruction and danger.  Use common sense when out and about.

Saturday will be partly to mostly cloudy with highs in the middle to upper 80s. Fire danger is very high as winds will be gusty at times.

Sunday looks to be slightly less hot with sunny skies and a light breeze. This will continue a run of 80-degree afternoons as the area remains locked in a dangerously dry and very warm pattern.

Upper 80s are on the docket for Monday with mostly sunny skies. That pattern will continue through the end of the week.

Thanks to all the fire fighters and construction contractors that have been on the front lines this summer.  A brutal fight this year, and a dangerous one, thank you for all you do.

Please, Stay safe and smart.

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