PORTLAND, Ore. – Firefighters and fire managers across central and eastern Oregon face another tough stretch this weekend as weather conditions deteriorate.
Red Flag Warnings cover most of the state east of the Cascades. The Storm Prediction Center has flagged elevated and critical fire weather conditions as likely for Saturday.
A combination of gusty winds, low relative humidity, and the potential for dry thunderstorms could push current fires past their containment lines or spark rapid growth on any new ignitions.
Fire weather conditions are expected to ease up Sunday.
West of the Cascades, cooler conditions will settle in on Saturday and Sunday. A few computer models hint at the possibility of very light showers or sprinkles early Sunday morning, though any rainfall would be minimal. Weekend highs are forecast to reach the upper 70s.
The heat builds back on Monday, with high temperatures nearing 90 degrees. Tuesday will bring a slight dip, but readings will stay in the upper 80s.
A shift in the upper-air pattern on Wednesday will usher cooler temperatures into the region. Morning clouds should clear to afternoon sunshine, with highs dropping into the mid-70s. The cooler pattern is expected to stick around through the rest of the workweek.
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