High fire danger continues this week with dry and very warm conditions

Bend, Ore (KTVZ) –The dry and very warm conditions have not been favorable for fire suppression. The winds yesterday allowed the Bench Fire and the Beachcomb Fire to expand to the east while the Shingle Fire expanded rapidly in the Ochoco National Forest.

Today will be similar to Saturday, but the winds are not expected to be as robust, but still impactful. Highs will be in the upper 80s under mostly sunny skies.  

There is a trough of low pressure in the Gulf of Alaska today and a large ridge of high pressure in middle of the country. The low will provide some light rain to the Washington Coast, but the high to the east will be the dominant weather feature all week. Very little change in the persistent pattern of dry and warm weather all week. The heat will continue to dry the fuel, the light winds and gusts will fan the flames but the efforts of the firefighters will prevail as they are persistent as well.

Monday will be dry and warm once again as the rinse and repeat forecast goes into effect. The highs will reach the upper 80s through Tuesday and Wednesday before we cross back into the 90s Thursday and Friday. The last full week of July will be about 5 – 7 degrees above normal under mostly sunny skies. 

If it were not for the fires, this would be a very warm and sunny week to enjoy all of what Central Oregon has to offer, unfortunately, we have the dangerous fires throughout the region.

Thank you to the fire fighters and coordinators that are managing these fires excellently considering the conditions.

Please, Stay safe and smart.

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