Red Flag Warning Issued for Klamath Basin, Lake County Saturday
West-to-southwest winds could gust near 30 mph as humidity falls as low as 6%, allowing fires to spread quickly.
AT A GLANCE
Warning:
Red Flag Warning
When:
2 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1
Where:
Southeastern Klamath County, the Fremont-Winema National Forest, Lake County, and parts of western Harney County
Winds:
West to southwest at 15 to 20 mph, with gusts near 30 mph and locally up to 35 mph
Humidity:
As low as 6% to 14%, with some areas falling into the single digits
Why:
Strong winds, very dry air, and dry vegetation could cause new or existing fires to spread rapidly
Weekend Outlook:
Sunny and dry through Sunday, with highs in the upper 80s to near 90 across Medford, Klamath Falls, and Lakeview
MEDFORD, Ore. — A Red Flag Warning has been issued for Saturday afternoon and evening across parts of Southern Oregon east of the Cascades, where gusty winds and very low humidity could allow fires to spread quickly.
The warning will be in effect from 2 to 9 p.m. Saturday across southeastern Klamath County, the Fremont-Winema National Forest, the south-central Oregon desert, and Bureau of Land Management areas in eastern Lake and western Harney counties.
Warning Area: A Red Flag Warning covers areas east of the Cascades from the Klamath Basin through Lake County and into western Harney County from 2 to 9 p.m. Saturday. National Weather Service.
A Red Flag Warning does not mean a fire is currently burning. It means the weather could allow new or existing fires to grow rapidly.
West-to-southwest winds are expected at 15 to 20 mph, with gusts near 30 mph. Minimum humidity could fall between 6% and 14%, creating critical fire weather conditions for three to seven hours Saturday afternoon and evening.
The National Weather Service is urging people to follow local fire restrictions and avoid activities that could create sparks. Vehicles should be kept off dry grass, trailer chains should not drag on the roadway, and outdoor equipment should be used carefully.
Critical Fire Weather: Gusty winds and very low humidity could create critical fire weather Saturday across parts of Klamath and Lake counties, where wind gusts may reach 25 to 35 mph and daytime humidity could fall into the single digits. Residents are urged to follow all local fire restrictions and avoid activities that could create sparks. National Weather Service Medford.
Weekend Forecast
Medford will remain outside the warning area but will stay sunny and dry. Saturday’s high will be near 90 degrees, followed by a low in the mid-50s. Sunday will be sunny with a high in the upper 80s.
Klamath Falls will be mostly sunny Saturday with a high in the mid-80s. Northwest winds are expected to increase during the afternoon, with gusts reaching the mid-20s. Saturday night will fall into the upper 40s, followed by another sunny day Sunday with a high in the mid-80s.
Lakeview will be sunny Saturday with a high near 90. West winds could gust above 20 mph during the afternoon before temperatures fall into the upper 40s overnight. Sunday will remain sunny with a high in the upper 80s.
No rain is expected across the three communities through Sunday. Although the Red Flag Warning is scheduled to expire Saturday night, the continued dry weather means residents should remain careful with anything that could start a fire.
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