July 22, 2026 3:50 a.m. 

A Red Flag Warning is in effect for parts of southern and south-central Oregon from 11:00 a.m. Wednesday to 11:00 p.m. Wednesday for abundant lightning on dry fuels.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service in Medford said it applies to the Umpqua National Forest, Southern Oregon Cascades, and the eastern Rogue Valley.

Thunderstorms are forecast to move roughly north to northeast at around 20 miles per hour. Storm mode will be mostly wet thunderstorms, but dry lightning strikes can occur outside of wet cores. Some stronger storms will contain hail. Isolated gusts of up to 45 miles per hour are possible.

Forecasters said breezy southwest to west winds with lower humidity and unstable conditions will develop each afternoon and evening Thursday through this weekend. Any new fire starts will have the ability to spread rapidly.

Residents should follow all fire restrictions and be sure they have signed up with their county’s emergency alert system.