Local Alert Weather Day: Poor air quality, elevated fire concerns

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) - The Local Alert Weather Team has issued a Local Alert Weather Day today due to dangerous air quality conditions across Central Oregon.

Wildfires are producing significant smoke, leading to prolonged periods of unhealthy air quality that could reach hazardous levels at times. Stay indoors if possible. If you must go outside, wear a well-fitting N95 mask and avoid strenuous activity.

Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson Counties are under an Air Quality Alert until further notice due to the wildfires.

Temperatures will remain hot today, but clouds and heavy smoke could prevent them from climbing as high as expected.

Central Oregon is under a “Marginal Risk” for severe thunderstorms today, according to the Storm Prediction Center.

Showers and thunderstorms could bring gusty winds, frequent lightning and brief heavy rain, creating additional challenges for firefighters. A Red Flag Warning will go into effect at 11am because a combination of conditions could lead to extreme fire behavior.

Once the storms move out tonight, hot and dry conditions will return, while smoke and poor air quality could linger through the weekend.

Temperatures will cool slightly into the upper 80s and low 90s toward the end of the week.

Don’t forget to download the Local Alert Weather App to stay connected with our team of meteorologists. 

You can get access to LIVE radar and receive urgent weather alerts so you’re always prepared.