Red Flag Warning issued for Eastern Oregon and Washington
By Joe Hathaway on Tuesday, July 9th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News Eastern/Southeast Oregon News Northeastern Oregon News
EASTERN OREGON — (Information provided by the National Weather Service) The National Weather Service in Pendleton has upgraded the Fire Weather Watch to a Red Flag Warning for parts of Eastern Oregon and Washington, effective from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday evening.
The warning, prompted by hot, dry, and unstable conditions, now covers the Southern Blue and Strawberry Mountains, Northern Blue Mountains of Oregon, Central Blue Mountains, Wallowa District, Blue Mountains of Washington, and Southeast Washington’s Grande Ronde Valley.
A high-pressure system responsible for recent hot temperatures is breaking down, leading to increased instability. This combination of weather conditions warrants Red Flag Warnings. Breezy winds are expected to develop through the Cascade gaps into portions of the Columbia Basin on Wednesday, coinciding with low relative humidity in the afternoon and evening.
Details of the Red Flag Warning:
Affected Areas: Fire Weather Zones 642 (Southern Blue and Strawberry Mountains), 643 (Northern Blue Mountains of Oregon), 644 (Central Blue Mountains), 645 (Wallowa District), 692 (Blue Mountains of Washington), and 693 (Southeast Washington Grande Ronde Valley).
Timing: From Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday evening.
Winds: Northwest at 5 to 15 mph.
Relative Humidity: As low as 7 percent.
Temperatures: Up to 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
Haines Index: Up to 6, indicating a high potential for extreme fire behavior.
Residents in these areas are advised to remain alert and prepared for potential wildfires. The conditions present a significant risk for extreme fire behavior for both new and existing fires.
The National Weather Service advises staying informed by listening for later forecasts and potential Red Flag Warnings.
