August 12, 2023 6:30 a.m. 

A Fire Weather Watch remains in effect Monday afternoon through Monday evening for a wide area of southern Oregon.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service said hot, dry, windy and unstable conditions are expected for the upcoming week.

The Watch area applies to fire weather zones including the Umpqua Basin, Umpqua National Forest, western Rogue Basin, eastern Rogue Valley, and the Southern Oregon Cascades and Siskiyou Mountains.

Forecasters said a strong ridge will build in over the region beginning Sunday, with temperatures expected to rise well into the triple digits for most locations west of the Cascades. Dry air will produce afternoon humidities, and when combined with afternoon and evening winds, critical fire weather conditions are possible. Additionally, dry and unstable conditions could lead to rapid fire growth at the Flat Fire or any other active fires in the 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.

Listen to News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN and check www.541radio.com to stay connected with updated weather information.