Pendleton, Oregon – Thunderstorms packing abundant lightning and wind gusts up to 50 mph are set to drive critical fire conditions across central Oregon and south-central Washington through Thursday evening, prompting urgent Red Flag Warnings for the Deschutes National Forest, Blue Mountains, and Cascade foothills.
According to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, scattered storms will continue overnight, then surge again late Thursday afternoon, lasting into the evening. These cells may deliver rain, but lightning outside storm cores and sudden, erratic winds could spark new wildfires or rapidly grow existing blazes. Fire Weather Zones 700, 704, 705 (Central and Northern Deschutes National Forest, Central Mountains of Oregon), and 697, 698, 699 (Central, Southern, Western Blue Mountains) remain under warnings until 11 p.m. Thursday. In Washington, the East South Central Cascades are under a Red Flag Warning from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday.
Fire agencies urge residents and visitors to avoid outdoor burning, secure trailer chains, and be prepared for road closures or power outages. Even routine activities can cause a spark. Gusty outflow winds and low humidity could escalate fire behavior to extreme levels, especially in forested and high desert areas.
This marks one of the most volatile fire weather days of the season so far. Stay alert for fast-changing conditions, and check for local updates. Additional warnings may follow as thunderstorms roll through Thursday night.
