A Fire Weather Watch has been upgraded to a Red Flag Warning for much of Southern Oregon as forecasters expect thunderstorms, abundant lightning and gusty outflow winds Wednesday over fuels already primed for rapid fire growth.

A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for much of Southern Oregon as monsoonal moisture increases thunderstorm chances Wednesday. Forecasters say abundant lightning, gusty outflow winds and critically dry fuels could lead to new wildfire starts across the region.

A major spot fire on Board Mountain is estimated at approximately 1,000 acres as firefighters continue battling active fire northeast of the East Evans Creek Fire’s main perimeter. Additional crews and equipment have shifted to the area, while JAC-017 moved to Level 2 and JAC-014 entered Level 1.

A new spot fire east of the East Evans Creek Fire prompted multiple evacuation changes Tuesday evening as extreme fire behavior continued across the northern half of the incident. JAC-124 remains at Level 3, while several surrounding zones were raised to Level 1 or Level 2.

The East Evans Creek Fire grew by 1,742 acres overnight to 5,370 acres as extreme fire behavior and spotting challenged crews across the north, northwest and northeast. Firefighters defended homes while additional resources arrived ahead of dry thunderstorms and erratic winds.

Fire activity increased across portions of the East Evans Creek Fire Monday, prompting additional resource orders and a Level 3 evacuation upgrade for JAC-124. Crews are preparing for thunderstorms, erratic winds and possible new fire starts while southern control lines continue to hold.

A Red Flag Warning remains in effect Monday, July 6, for parts of south-central Oregon, including the Klamath Basin, Fremont-Winema National Forest and eastern Lake County. Thunderstorms could bring abundant lightning, hail and gusty winds, creating the risk of new fire starts on dry fuels.

A spring-like weather system is expected to bring much cooler temperatures, widespread showers, isolated thunderstorms, and gusty winds to Southern Oregon and Northern California through Saturday. Snow levels may lower near 6,000 feet late Friday into Saturday, with chilly mornings expected Sunday and Monday.