Hot pattern continues, unhealthy air quality levels into the weekend

 A Heat Advisory is in place for the next few days throughout most of the high desert.  All three counties, Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson Counties will be in the advisory today, Friday and Saturday. The temperatures are likely to be in the middle to upper 90s with some locations hitting the century mark.  Redmond and Warm Springs will be the most likely to cross that triple digit mark. 

There is also an Air Quality Alert for Deschutes and Crook Counties until further notice due to the fires in the region.  The Wiley Flat and the Rail Ridge will be generating smoke that will be transported via the winds into the 97 highway region.  The flow of air is expected to be from the south east then the east so it will not be a “favorable flow” of wind for our region.  Unlike earlier this summer when west or northwest winds pushed the smoke from the mega-fires away from Central Oregon, this weekends winds will bring the smoke into Central Oregon.

Some of the computer models are showing some spotty storms late in the day Friday along the east face of the Cascades near Sisters. Not etched in stone, but worthy of a "mention" in the forecast. There may be some dry thunderstorms near La Pine Friday afternoon as well. Again, not all models agree with that prognosis, but we will keep an eye on that area.

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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