Hot pattern and dangerously poor air quality levels into the weekend
An area of high pressure is about to become the dominant weather feature over the western half of the country which will allow the mercury to rise near 100 by Friday. The heat is a major concern as it will be coupled with significantly poor air quality. This is will enhance the risk of health related issues over the next several days.
A Heat Advisory is in place for the region starting Thursday and lasting until Saturday, temperatures will be in the upper 90s to low 100s at times in the region. Keep an eye on the alert banner at the top of the page for the latest updates. Also, an Air Quality Alert/Advisory is also in effect for the area until further notice.
This fire season Oregon has seen the most acres burned since reliable records have been kept dating back to the 1990s. Our recent lightning event over the Labor Day Weekend has initiated several new fires contributing to our poor air quality. Most of the summer the fires were well to the east with a northwest or west flow of air. This round of fires are much closer and the winds are not favorable for us. Winds are arriving from the southeast and east, which is transporting the smoke toward the 97 corridor and impacting heavily populated areas.
The high temperatures in the region will be in 90s most locations until at least Saturday, and the smoke will be generated for several days past that. The wind flow looks to keep the smoke in the region through the rest of the work week.
Please prepare for the deteriorating air quality issues, limit outdoor activities, wear a mask, check on sensitive groups (those with respiratory issues and the elderly/young).
Rain is in the forecast next week, hopefully it will scour out and wet down the ground fuels. Until then we have a lot of dangerous scenarios to contend with as the fire season rages on.
Stay Safe
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