Pendleton, OR – A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for portions of eastern Oregon and southeast Washington, as isolated to scattered thunderstorms are expected on Sunday. The watch covers the Lower Columbia Basin, Blue Mountains, Wallowa District, and Southeast Washington’s Grande Ronde Valley.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Pendleton, the thunderstorms may bring cloud-to-ground lightning and erratic gusty winds. These conditions pose a risk for new fire starts, with a moderate weather risk level of 3 out of 5.
The NWS urges residents to report any new fires to local authorities and seek shelter if thunderstorms approach. Fire officials also advise against outdoor burning and stress that gusty winds could fuel new fires quickly.
The watch will remain in effect from Sunday morning through the evening as conditions worsen. Residents are encouraged to monitor local forecasts and listen to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest updates.
