The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch for the Umpqua Basin and the Umpqua National Forest, which is in effect from late Wednesday night through Thursday evening for abundant lightning on dry fuels.
Forecasters in Medford said numerous new fire starts could be produced. They could pose a threat to life and property and may overwhelm initial attack capabilities. Gusty winds near thunderstorms could contribute to fire spread.
The Western Rogue Basin, the Illinois Valley, the eastern Rogue Valley and the Southern Oregon Cascades and Siskiyou’s are all under the watch as well.
Thunderstorms are expected Wednesday night with little or no rainfall. On Thursday they are forecast to become more frequent and increase with the peak of thunderstorms being between late Thursday morning into Thursday evening.
A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Stay with News Radio 1240 KQEN and check www.541radio.com for updates and possible Red Flag Warnings.