Medford, OR – Critical fire weather is set to threaten communities across Northern California and Southern Oregon from Thursday afternoon into Thursday evening, as scattered dry thunderstorms and gusty winds raise the risk of fast-spreading wildfires.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford and Eureka, a Fire Weather Watch takes effect Thursday for Siskiyou, Modoc, and Trinity counties in California, and Klamath Basin, Fremont-Winema, and Rogue River Siskiyou National Forests in Oregon. The watch warns of abundant lightning on parched vegetation, which could spark numerous new fires—especially in remote, heavily forested areas. Thunderstorm outflow winds may reach 40 to 60 mph in Oregon and up to 30 mph in the Klamath Mountains, fanning flames and making containment nearly impossible.
Communities in Yreka, Mount Shasta, Alturas, Happy Camp, Weaverville, and the Klamath Basin should prepare now. Power outages and smoky skies are possible. Residents are urged to avoid any activity that could cause sparks, follow all local fire restrictions, and have go-kits and vital documents ready for evacuation if needed. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged.
This event follows a record-dry June, leaving fuel moisture at critically low levels across the region. The threat may intensify if conditions shift to a Red Flag Warning.
Stay alert for updates and potential new advisories through Thursday night. More information is available at weather.gov/medford and ready.gov/kit.
