August 16, 2022 4:00 p.m.  

A Red Flag Warning for much of southern Oregon’s higher elevations will be in effect from 12:00 p.m.to 11:00 p.m. Wednesday with a Heat Advisory for many locations as well.

An Urgent Weather Message from the National Weather Service said lightning and high fire danger will likely result in new fire starts. Gusty winds could contribute to fire spread. Despite rainfall, initial attack resources could be overwhelmed and holdover fires are possible. The Warning area includes the Windigo Fire, Crater Lake, Toketee Falls, Ashland, Klamath Falls, and portions of the Umpqua, Rogue River-Siskiyou and Fremont-Winema National forests, along with nearby locations. Forecasters said isolated thunderstorms may begin early Wednesday morning, but will likely become scattered during the afternoon and evening with abundant lightning. Some storms may be dry. Winds will become gusty and erratic in and near thunderstorms.

The Heat Advisory is in place from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. High temperatures of 90 to 95 degrees are expected in mountain areas with isolated locations reaching up to 100 degrees. In some lower elevation locations in the Rogue Valley, high temperatures of 100 to 110 degrees are forecast. Overnight temperatures will be warm as well which may limit relief from the daytime heat.

Stay with News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN and check www.541radio.com for updates on the fire danger and weather situation.