Fire danger remains high, Red Flag Warning issued, hot pattern returns

Bend, Ore (KTVZ) – A mix of clouds and sunshine today as moisture arrives from the southwest. An area of low pressure well off the California Coast is going to provide us with the clouds and isolated showers. The showers will be in Eastern Oregon, but a few may develop in eastern Crook County late in the day.
Even with the cloud cover the area will still reach the upper 80s most locations. 

A Red Flag Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for the Warm Springs Reservation starting Tuesday at noon and extending until 10 pm. There will be winds from the west at 10 – 20 mph and gusts near 20 with very dry air. The chance for rapid fire growth is a major concern. The Red Flag Warning extends north and east from that anchor point and includes the Columbia River Basin of Oregon.

Tuesday will be the start of a run of 90-degree days as the heat returns. Highs will reach the 90s through the rest of the week. Fire danger remains a concern as the fuel on the ground is tinder-dry and any new fire starts will grow quickly.

Overnight into Wednesday will be mild and mostly clear. We do rise back into the 90s Wednesday afternoon under sunny skies. Thursday will be mostly sunny and hot as well as highs top out in the middle 90s.

Friday continues the heat wave as the highs reach the low 90s for the fourth day in a row. There will be a slight chance for some rain showers in the afternoon of Friday as the weather pattern shifts from hot to near normal. Highs on Saturday will be in the low 80s, about right for late August.

We are in the Extreme Drought Category in Central Oregon, so please be aware of any fire restrictions at your location.  The Red Flag Warning is in effect for northern sections of Oregon on Tuesday afternoon and evening as winds from the west push through the Cascade gaps. Winds will be robust mainly across the Columbia River Basin.  Just because we are not included in the warning, does not mean we will be without concern. We are very dry and this weeks heat wave will not be beneficial to the already parched plants.

Lightning has started most of the fires this season here in Oregon, so we don’t need any human caused fires to add to the destruction and danger.

Thanks to all the fire fighters and construction contractors that have been on the front lines this summer.  A brutal fight this year, and a dangerous one, thank you for all you do.

Please, Stay safe and smart.

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