Fire Weather Watch Issued for Central Oregon
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The National Weather Service in Pendleton has issued a Fire Weather Watch for parts of Central Oregon, citing the potential for abundant dry lightning and strong outflow winds Tuesday afternoon and evening.
The watch is in effect from Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday evening for portions of our viewing area, almost all of Crook and Deschutes County, as well as the eastern half of Jefferson County, which include the Central Mountains of Oregon and the southern portion of the Deschutes National Forest.
Forecasters said thunderstorms are expected to be mostly dry, with rainfall amounts generally under a tenth of an inch. Some isolated storms, however, could bring slightly heavier rainfall.
Outflow winds could reach up to 45 mph, increasing the risk that any new fires could spread rapidly.
“Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly,” the agency warned in its advisory. “Outdoor burning is not recommended.”
A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast. The National Weather Service advises residents and land managers to stay alert for updated forecasts and the possible issuance of a Red Flag Warning.
