LOCAL ALERT WEATHER DAY: SATURDAY for Red Flag Warning, high fire danger

Bend, Ore (KTVZ) – The Local Alert Weather Team has issued a Local Alert Weather Day for Saturday, August 1^st.  Most of Central Oregon will be under a Red Flag Warning for high fire danger. The weather conditions Saturday will be warm, dry and windy. These three aspects to the day will provide the perfect environment for rapid fire growth if a new fire is started and/or if a fire is already burning.

Considering we have several major wildfires in the area, the concern for extreme fire behavior, or rapid growth, is very high.

Winds will be generally from the west at 15 to 25 mph and may gust near 35 mph at times. The humidity levels will be low (very dry air) and the fuels are dry as we are in the extreme drought category.  Temperatures Friday will be in the upper 90s in some spots, keeping the risk for ignition high.

Open burning is not recommended.

If you live near one of the many fires that are still active, be alert for evacuations to be issued quickly. Stay alert and make sure to keep your phone activated with our Local Alert Weather App engaged.

This is a very dangerous situation, especially considering the fires already burning in the area.

As for the forecast, we are going to hit the 90s today, middle 80s Saturday with gusty winds near 30 mph from the west. Sunday we will be much cooler with highs in the low 80s.

Beginning Tuesday, the hot pattern returns with highs in the low 90s.

Please, Stay safe and smart.

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.