Heat wave coming to an end, fire danger remains high
The mercury in the thermometer over the past three weeks has been well above normal and has effectively dried out the area. The danger that the long heat wave is being exhibited by the dozens of wildfires across the state. Currently, according to the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, there are 133 active fires across Oregon as of 1:45 pm Tuesday.
The acreage burned in Oregon is estimated as well over 750,000 acres and counting. The Durkee Fire in eastern Oregon is now listed as consuming 239,255 acres. It has a burn scar that includes the Cow Valley Fire, which is listed at 133,490. The combination footprint has charred nearly 400,000 acres.
The dry fuel on the ground will not get any moisture other than a few isolated storms in the east today through Thursday. Bend has only received 0.06” of rain this month, normal is 0.44”. The heat this month is historic and the burning may well be also since we are only in the month of July.
Highs today are expected to top the 90° mark and this will be the 20th day in a row that Bend has crossed that threshold. This will be a record number of consecutive 90° days breaking the old record of 19 set in 1927. Expect to see another 90° day Wednesday before we only top out in the low 80s on Thursday.
A change in the “Big Picture” pattern shows an area of low pressure in the upper levels of the atmosphere arriving just north of Oregon which will push the heat dome to the south and east. The near normal temperature levels will be around through the weekend. Although little rain is expected in Central Oregon, the high temperatures will be what we expect for late July, the middle to upper 80s.
There may be some scattered strong storms in the SE corner of Oregon today through Thursday which will not bode well for fire fighting efforts. The erratic winds near the storms and lightning strikes will introduce a challenging scenario for fighters battling the blazes in Eastern Oregon.
Air quality is being challenged by the numerous fires across the area, Crook county is currently under an alert as there are several fires in the region. Stay indoors if you can, use air filters when possible and limit strenuous outdoor activities.
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