Local Alert Weather Day: Gusty Winds Increase Fire Danger Across Central Oregon

Saturday is a Local Alert Weather Day across Central Oregon as gusty winds, low humidity and several active wildfires combine to create critical fire weather conditions.

A Red Flag Warning remains in effect through 11 p.m. Saturday for portions of Central Oregon. The National Weather Service has identified today’s fire weather setup as a Particularly Dangerous Situation because strong winds, very dry air and critically dry fuels could contribute to rapid fire growth on existing fires or any new fire starts.

Northwest winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph, will continue through this evening before gradually easing overnight.

While smoke will remain possible in parts of the region, air quality is expected to stay generally good across much of Central Oregon as northwest winds push much of the smoke east.

Conditions are expected to improve later tonight as winds diminish, with the Red Flag Warning scheduled to expire at 11 p.m.

Sunday will bring mostly sunny skies, lighter winds and cooler temperatures, with highs in the upper 70s. A few areas may continue to see patchy smoke, but overall weather conditions will be much quieter than Saturday.

We are all still highly encouraged to avoid activities that could spark a fire and to stay up to date on the latest forecasts and fire information as conditions continue to evolve.

Don’t forget to download the Local Alert Weather App to stay connected with our team of meteorologists. 

You can get access to LIVE radar and receive urgent weather alerts so you’re always prepared.