LOCAL ALERT WEATHER DAY: Unhealthy Air Quality and Strong Storms today

Bend, Ore (KTVZ) – There are a number of issues today as far as the weather as it relates to the fire fighting efforts.  The smoke being generated by the fires yesterday and overnight restricted the air attacks on some of the fires, more specifically the Akawa Fire near Sisters. That fire grew to nearly 20k acres and has crossed into Deschutes County.  The efforts will be doubled down today as the fire migrates south and west.  Evacuation orders are being updated rapidly, so stay alert for instructions if you are in the region.

There is another concern today, the threat of strong to severe thunderstorms. The Storm Prediction Center has placed Central Oregon in the Marginal Risk Category for severe storms this afternoon.

Gusty winds are the main concern, but there will be lightning as well. The storms generate erratic winds that will quickly impact the behavior of a fire. This places the fire fighting teams in jeopardy.  The storms may also begin new fires as there will be abundant lightning associated with these events.

The Air Quality is very unhealthy in the Sisters area due to the Akawa Fire, but that is translating to other areas listed as unhealthy as well, including but not limited to Redmond and Bend. 

The Prineville area is in the crosshairs of the poor air quality as well and the Brewer and Box Springs fire are contributing to the smoky pattern.

The rain today will momentarily scour out some smoke, allowing for strong air attacks. The efforts of the fire fighters will be impacted today by the weather, but once the storms clear the area tonight, our dry and very warm pattern will linger into the weekend.

The smoke and poor air quality should remain through the weekend as well. 

There are several fires generating the smoke, so the combination of all the fires will continue to impact our air quality.  Stay inside, check on your neighbors and wear a mask if you do have to go outside.

Please, Stay safe and smart.

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