Several Wildfires burning in Central Oregon from recent lightning strikes, dry and hot pattern to continue next week

Bend, Ore (KTVZ) – Central Oregon Fire has released the observations from yesterday’s thunderstorm activity and it is not good. Over 50 new fire starts, many less than an acre, but some have grown to over 1000, are now being suppressed. An estimated 2000 strikes were noted as the storms moved from south to north across the area. The largest concentration of fires is in Wheeler County where 5 fires over 100 acres are burning in the western portion of the state and several smaller fires in the east.  This will be an active day for firefighters as more fires are revealed as the area dries out.

As for the weather, we have slightly less heat to contend with today than over the past couple of days as highs reach the middle to upper 80s (vs. the 90s). There will be poorer air quality as we move into the weekend due to the fires and the heat will be coming back.

Friday will be mostly sunny as the area jumps back into the low 90s. Winds will pick up in some locations, not good for fire suppression, and the dry fuel remains a concern.

The newest Drought Monitor has been released today and there is no change in any of the categories for the tri-counties. Still approximately 55 to 60 percent of our counties are in the Extreme Drought Category.  Fire danger high, reservoirs and water tables low and vegetation and animals highly stressed.

No relief in sight for the heat and the dry weather this weekend as I expect to see highs in the low 90s Saturday and Sunday with mostly sunny skies.

The new work week continues the trend of 90 degree afternoon highs and partly to mostly sunny skies. Monday may see a bit more cloud cover in the afternoon than over the weekend. Tuesday and Wednesday will be a repeat of Monday.

Please, Stay safe and smart.

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