MEDFORD, Ore. – Critical fire weather conditions are expected across southern Oregon and northern California Tuesday, as lightning and gusty winds move into already dry landscapes. The National Weather Service has issued multiple Fire Weather Watches covering areas from the Klamath Basin to Trinity County, warning that new wildfire starts are possible.
According to the National Weather Service offices in Medford, Portland, and Eureka, scattered thunderstorms are forecast to develop Tuesday afternoon through evening. These storms are expected to produce little or no rainfall, leaving dry fuels highly susceptible to ignition. Gusty outflow winds of 35 to 50 mph could spread flames quickly and unpredictably, extending the danger well beyond thunderstorm cores.
In Oregon, alerts include the Siskiyou Mountains, the Southern Oregon Cascades, the Fremont-Winema National Forest, and both the northern and southern Willamette National Forests. In California, the warning covers Siskiyou and Trinity counties, including the Shasta Valley and western Klamath National Forest.
Emergency officials urge residents to follow local fire restrictions, sign up for county emergency alerts, and have evacuation plans ready. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Conditions may be upgraded to a Red Flag Warning as the event approaches.
Fire Weather Watches remain in effect Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday evening, with further updates expected.
