Red Flag Warning for Friday evening; Fire Weather Watch for Saturday

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The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM PDT Friday. A Fire Weather Watch has also been issued from Saturday afternoon through Saturday evening.

An upper-level trough offshore will bring gusty southwest winds and low daytime relative humidities each afternoon and evening east of the Cascades and over far northeastern California Friday through this weekend.

The potential for near-critical low relative humidities and gusty winds will increase on Friday, however, the strongest winds and lowest relative humidities will most likely occur Saturday afternoon and evening, possibly continuing Sunday afternoon.

Critical conditions with gusts to 30 mph or more and relative humidities in the single digits to mid-teens are expected to last for a few hours late Friday afternoon and most of the afternoon Saturday.

Hot, dry, and windy conditions are expected Friday and Saturday afternoons which will lead to critical fire weather conditions east of the Cascades in Klamath, Lake, and Modoc counties. The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Red Flag Warning for both Friday and Saturday afternoons. A Red Flag Warning is issued when we identify weather conditions that promote rapid spread of fire which may become life-threatening. This does not mean there is a fire. These conditions are either occurring now or will begin soon. It is important to have multiple ways to receive information from emergency managers or other officials.

RED FLAG WARNING


URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE...CORRECTED
National Weather Service Medford OR
403 AM PDT Fri Jul 28 2023

Klamath Basin
Fremont-Winema National Forest

RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM TO 8 PM PDT FRIDAY FOR A PORTION OF FWZ-624.

FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FOR PORTIONS OF FWZs 624, 625, 284, AND 285 FROM SATURDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING...

The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect from 5 PM to 8 PM PDT Friday. a Fire Weather Watch has also been issued. This Fire Weather Watch is in effect from Saturday afternoon through Saturday evening.

IMPACTS
Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

AFFECTED AREA
In Oregon: Fire weather zone 624.

WIND
Southwest 15 to 25 mph across ridges.

HUMIDITY
RH`s reach 15 percent for a few hours late in the afternoon. RH`s will likely be lower for longer Saturday afternoon.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Critical conditions may occur again Sunday afternoon.

DETAILED URL
View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS

Avoid tossing burning cigarettes on the ground, parking hot vehicles on dry vegetation, and using equipment that can cause sparks. Follow all fire restrictions. Find links to restrictions at weather.gov/medford/wildfire. One less spark, one less wildfire.

Gather your fire evacuation kit now. Collect essentials you don`t want to lose and prioritize your checklist. Visit ready.gov/kit for more information.

Familiarize yourself with your evacuation plan. Where will you go? How will you get there? Who will you call to let others know your are safe? Visit ready.gov/wildfires for more information.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. These conditions promote rapid spread of fire which may become life threatening. Evacuate if ordered to, or if a fire threatens.

If you have not packed your evacuation kit yet, now is the time to do so. This includes items like important documents and essentials you cannot live without. Fill your vehicle`s fuel tank. Visit ready.gov/kit for more information.

Plan now to avoid using equipment that could cause sparks during the period when critical weather conditions are possible. Visit weather.gov/medford/wildfire for links to fire restrictions in your area.

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are possible during the valid watch time. These conditions could promote the rapid spread of wildfires which could become life- threatening. Check weather.gov/medford for forecast updates and a possible upgrade of the this watch to a Red Flag Warning.

What is a Red Flag Warning?

Red Flag Warnings are a part of life in southern Oregon and northern California, but what is it exactly?

Red flag warnings are issued when we identify periods of very dry humidity and gusty winds that could allow for new and existing fires to spread rapidly; or when abundant lightning on dry vegetation which may cause several new fires. When we issue a red flag warning, we want you to familiarize yourself with your fire plan and make sure your go kits are in good shape and accessible. Listen to officials like emergency managers or your local sheriff's office for new information should a fire ignite. And remember to use extreme caution with potential ignition sources. One less spark, one less wildfire.