Updated
Updated · KATU · Aug 2
Oregon Lets Red Flag Warning Expire as Winds Still Gust 45 mph
Updated
Updated · KATU · Aug 2

Oregon Lets Red Flag Warning Expire as Winds Still Gust 45 mph

3 articles · Updated · KATU · Aug 2

Summary

  • Central and eastern Oregon’s Red Flag Warning expired at 11 p.m. Saturday after fire weather eased from extreme in some areas to elevated.
  • Winds still pose a risk Sunday in the Kittitas Valley and eastern Columbia River Gorge, where sustained speeds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts of 40 to 45 mph are expected.
  • Dry air remains a concern across central Oregon, with minimum relative humidity staying in the mid-teens even as winds are forecast to remain fairly light.
  • An air quality alert stays in effect for parts of central and eastern Oregon through Monday afternoon as wildfire smoke continues to degrade conditions.

Insights

Does an expired Red Flag Warning really mean Oregon’s wildfire danger is easing, or are wind, dry air, and smoke still setting the stage?
With smoke lingering and conditions shifting fast, which Oregon communities and vulnerable residents face the biggest risk in the next two days?