Fire weather concerns highlight the next few days

We will remain hot today and Wednesday with highs in the 90s. We will finally break the streak of high temps over 90 on Thursday when we welcome back the 80s. We should remain there for the rest of the week.

A trough, or an upper-level low, over the Pacific is pushing its way into our region over the next few days allowing for our temperatures to cool down just a bit, to about normal, by Thursday. Troughs can be great mechanisms for lifting moisture in the sky to help create storms. Since we are so dry and we have no moisture to lift, we’ll be breezy instead. However, areas in East-Southeast Oregon are expected to see storms on Wednesday as this trough approaches. Downdrafts from these storms will contribute to the gusty conditions. Lightning will once again be a problem for wildfire danger.  

Fire weather danger will be a big concern for the week as we deal with more hot, dry, and gusty conditions. Much of Oregon is on fire, and the winds will continue to fan the flames across the dry surface, worsening what we’re already seeing across the state. Our air quality is affected but it changes throughout the day as the smoke gets pushed around. In general, our air quality is not good. We’re seeing more fires spark in the Tri-County region, and the smoke from surrounding fires is negatively affecting us.

Protect yourself from the smoke pollution, practice fire safety, and have a good Tuesday.

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