Alert archive / Oregon / Red Flag Warnings in 2021

Red Flag Warning 38, NWS Medford, OR

August 9, 2021Coos County, Douglas County, Lane County, Oregon

NWS Medford, OR issued this red flag warning at Aug 9, 2021, 2:45 PM PDT for Coos County, Douglas County, Lane County, Oregon. It took effect at Aug 11, 2021, 2:00 PM PDT. It was in force for 9 hr. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Aug 9, 2021, 2:45 PM PDT (21:45 UTC)
In effect from
Aug 11, 2021, 2:00 PM PDT
Expired
Aug 11, 2021, 10:49 PM PDT
In force
9 hr
Issued by
NWS Medford, OR

Counties Coos County, OR, Douglas County, OR, Lane County, OR

The radar

The Medford radar (KMAX), 164 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 21:43 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Medford/Jackson, OR (KMFR), launched 12:00Z, 9.8 hours before the alert went out and 131 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Medford/Jackson, OR at 12:00Z on 2021-08-09Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Medford/Jackson, OR at 12:00Z on 2021-08-09The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity -8 square meters per square second.1939Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
1762 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
13 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
-8 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
68 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

219 
WWUS86 KMFR 092145
RFWMFR

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Medford OR
245 PM PDT Mon Aug 9 2021


ORZ616-617-100945-
/O.UPG.KMFR.FW.A.0028.210810T1800Z-210812T0400Z/
/O.NEW.KMFR.FW.W.0038.210811T2100Z-210812T0600Z/
Umpqua Basin-Umpqua National Forest-
245 PM PDT Mon Aug 9 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TO 11 PM PDT WEDNESDAY FOR
HAINES 6 WITH EXISTING FIRE FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 616 AND 617...

The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Red Flag
Warning...which is in effect from 2 PM to 11 PM PDT Wednesday. The
Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect.

* Impacts: Very dry and unstable conditions will support extreme fire
  behavior. Plume domination is possible with locally-generated 
  erratic and gusty winds. Spotting could be problematic.

* Affected areas: The Jack Fire, Skyline Complex and Devils Knob
  Complex spread across fire weather zones 616 and 617.

* Weather: Humidity As low as 15 percent with a Haines 6. Gusty and
  erratic winds are possible near smoke plumes.

Precautionary/preparedness actions...

A Red Flag Warning in this case means that critical fire weather 
conditions will during the warning period. These conditions 
promote rapid spread of fire which may become life threatening. 
Evacuate if ordered to, or if a fire threatens.

&&

$$


Visit us at www.weather.gov/Medford
5 follow-up statements
546 
WWUS86 KMFR 100839
RFWMFR

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Medford OR
139 AM PDT Tue Aug 10 2021

ORZ616-617-110000-
/O.CON.KMFR.FW.W.0038.210811T2100Z-210812T0600Z/
Umpqua Basin-Umpqua National Forest-
139 AM PDT Tue Aug 10 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TO 11 PM PDT WEDNESDAY FOR
HAINES 6 WITH EXISTING FIRE FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 616 AND 617...

The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Red Flag
Warning...which is in effect from 2 PM to 11 PM PDT Wednesday. 

* Impacts:  Very dry and unstable conditions will support extreme
fire behavior. Plume domination is possible with locally-generated
erratic and gusty winds. Spotting could be problematic.

* Affected areas: The Jack Fire, Skyline Complex, and Devils Knob
Complex spread across fire weather zones 616 and 617.

* Weather: Humidity As low as 15 percent with a Haines 6. Gusty
and erratic winds are possible near smoke plumes.

$$

Visit us at www.weather.gov/Medford
637 
WWUS86 KMFR 102156
RFWMFR

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Medford OR
256 PM PDT Tue Aug 10 2021


ORZ616-617-111000-
/O.CON.KMFR.FW.W.0038.210811T2100Z-210812T0600Z/
Umpqua Basin-Umpqua National Forest-
256 PM PDT Tue Aug 10 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TO 11 PM PDT
WEDNESDAY FOR HAINES 6 WITH EXISTING FIRE FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES
616 AND 617...

* Impacts:  Very dry and unstable conditions will support extreme
fire behavior. Plume domination is possible with locally-generated
erratic and gusty winds. Spotting could be problematic.

* Affected areas: The Jack Fire, Skyline Complex, and Devils Knob
Complex spread across fire weather zones 616 and 617.

* Weather: Humidity As low as 15 percent with a Haines 6. Gusty
and erratic winds are possible near smoke plumes.

$$

A Red Flag Warning in this case means that critical fire weather 
conditions will occur during the warning period. These conditions 
promote rapid spread of fire which may become life threatening. 
Evacuate if ordered to, or if a fire threatens.

Visit us at www.weather.gov/Medford
513 
WWUS86 KMFR 110926
RFWMFR

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Medford OR
226 AM PDT Wed Aug 11 2021

ORZ616-617-120000-
/O.CON.KMFR.FW.W.0038.210811T2100Z-210812T0600Z/
Umpqua Basin-Umpqua National Forest-
226 AM PDT Wed Aug 11 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TO 11 PM PDT
WEDNESDAY FOR HAINES 6 WITH EXISTING FIRE FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 
616 AND 617...

* Impacts: Very dry and unstable conditions will support extreme 
  fire behavior. Plume domination is possible with locally-
  generated erratic and gusty winds. Spotting could be problematic.

* Affected areas: The Jack Fire, Skyline Complex, and Devils Knob
Complex spread across fire weather zones 616 and 617.

* Weather: Humidity As low as 15 percent with a Haines 6. Gusty
and erratic winds are possible near smoke plumes.

$$

Visit us at www.weather.gov/Medford
913 
WWUS86 KMFR 111926
RFWMFR

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Medford OR
1226 PM PDT Wed Aug 11 2021


ORZ617-121200-
/O.NEW.KMFR.FW.W.0039.210812T2100Z-210813T0600Z/
/O.NEW.KMFR.FW.A.0029.210813T2100Z-210814T0600Z/
/O.CON.KMFR.FW.W.0038.210811T2100Z-210812T0600Z/
Umpqua National Forest-
1226 PM PDT Wed Aug 11 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM PDT THIS EVENING
FOR HAINES 6 WITH EXISTING FIRE FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 617... 

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TO 11 PM PDT THURSDAY FOR 
HAINES 6 WITH EXISTING FIRE FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 617... 

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH 
FRIDAY EVENING FOR ABUNDANT LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS FOR FIRE WEATHER
ZONE 617...

The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Red Flag
Warning...which is in effect from 2 PM to 11 PM PDT Thursday. A
Fire Weather Watch has also been issued. This Fire Weather Watch
is in effect from Friday afternoon through Friday evening.

* Impacts: Very dry and unstable conditions will support extreme
  fire behavior. Plume domination is possible with locally
  generated erratic and gusty winds. Spotting could be 
  problematic. Lightning and high fire danger will likely result in
  new fire starts. Gusty thunderstorm winds could contribute to 
  fire spread. Despite rainfall, initial attack resources could be 
  overwhelmed and holdover fires are possible. 

* Haines 6 Affected areas: The Jack Fire and Devils Knob Complex 
  in fire weather zone 617.

* Weather: Humidity As low as 12 percent with a Haines 6. Gusty 
  and erratic winds are possible near smoke plumes.

* Thunderstorms: Mainly isolated thunderstorms are expected, but
  some scattered coverage is possible across the eastern portion of
  the zone. Gusty and erratic winds are possible near
  thunderstorms. 

* Abundant Lightning Affected area: 
 In Southwest OR...Fire Weather Zone 617.

* View the hazard area in detail at:
  https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mfr/HAZARD 

Precautionary/preparedness actions...

Avoid tossing burning cigarettes on the ground, parking hot
vehicles on dry vegetation, and using equipment that can cause
sparks. Follow all fire restrictions. Find links to restrictions
at weather.gov/medford/wildfire. One less spark, one less
wildfire.

Gather your fire evacuation kit now. Collect essentials you don't
want to lose and prioritize your checklist. Visit ready.gov/kit
for more information.

Familiarize yourself with your evacuation plan. Where will you go?
How will you get there? Who will you call to let others know your
are safe? Visit ready.gov/wildfires for more information.

A Red Flag Warning does not mean there is a fire. It means that
critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will
shortly. These conditions promote rapid spread of fire which may
become life threatening. Evacuate if ordered to, or if a fire
threatens.

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. Check weather.gov/medford for forecast updates and a
possible upgrade of the this watch to a Red Flag Warning.

&&

$$

ORZ616-121200-
/O.NEW.KMFR.FW.W.0039.210812T2100Z-210813T0600Z/
/O.CON.KMFR.FW.W.0038.210811T2100Z-210812T0600Z/
Umpqua Basin-
1226 PM PDT Wed Aug 11 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM PDT THIS EVENING
FOR HAINES 6 WITH EXISTING FIRE FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 616...
 
...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TO 11 PM PDT THURSDAY FOR 
HAINES 6 WITH EXISTING FIRE FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 616...

The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Red Flag
Warning...which is in effect from 2 PM to 11 PM PDT Thursday.

* Impacts: Very dry and unstable conditions will support extreme 
  fire behavior. Plume domination is possible with locally-
  generated erratic and gusty winds. Spotting could be problematic.

* Affected areas: Skyline Complex spread across fire weather zone 
  616.

* Weather: Humidity As low as 15 percent with a Haines 6. Gusty
and erratic winds are possible near smoke plumes.


* View the hazard area in detail at:
  https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mfr/HAZARD 

Precautionary/preparedness actions...

Gather your fire evacuation kit now. Collect essentials you don't
want to lose and prioritize your checklist. Visit ready.gov/kit
for more information.

Familiarize yourself with your evacuation plan. Where will you go?
How will you get there? Who will you call to let others know your
are safe? Visit ready.gov/wildfires for more information.

A Red Flag Warning does not mean there is a fire. It means that
critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will
shortly. These conditions promote rapid spread of fire which may
become life threatening. Evacuate if ordered to, or if a fire
threatens.

&&

$$

CAZ280-281-284-285-ORZ621-623>625-121200-
/O.NEW.KMFR.FW.A.0029.210813T2100Z-210814T0600Z/
Western Klamath National Forest-
Central Siskiyou County Including Shasta Valley-
Siskiyou County from the Cascade Mountains East and South to Mt
Shasta-Modoc County Except for the Surprise Valley-
Siskiyou Mountains-Southern Oregon Cascades-
Klamath Basin and the Fremont-Winema National Forest-
South Central Oregon Desert including the BLM Land in Eastern Lake
and Western Harney Counties-
1226 PM PDT Wed Aug 11 2021

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
FRIDAY EVENING FOR ABUNDANT LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS FOR FIRE 
WEATHER ZONES 280...281...284... 285...621...623...624 AND 625...

The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Fire Weather
Watch...which is in effect from Friday afternoon through Friday
evening.

* Impacts: Lightning and high fire danger will likely result in new
  fire starts. Gusty thunderstorm winds could contribute to fire
  spread. Despite rainfall, initial attack resources could be
  overwhelmed and holdover fires are possible.

* Affected area: 
  In Northern CA Fire Zones...280...281...284...285.
  In South Central OR Fire Zones...624...625.
  In Southwest OR Fire Zones...621...623.

* Wind: Northwest 5 to 10 mph, except for gusty and erratic winds
  near thunderstorms.

* Thunderstorms: Mainly isolated thunderstorms are expected, but
  some scattered coverage is possible across the eastern portion of
  the zone. Gusty and erratic winds are possible near
  thunderstorms. 

* Humidity: As low as 14 percent.

* View the hazard area in detail at:
  https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mfr/HAZARD 

Precautionary/preparedness actions...

If you have not packed your evacuation kit yet, now is the time to
do so. This includes items like important documents and essentials
you cannot live without. Fill your vehicle's fuel tank. Visit
ready.gov/kit for more information.

Plan now to avoid using equipment that could cause sparks during
the period when critical weather conditions are possible. Visit
weather.gov/medford/wildfire for links to fire restrictions in
your 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. Check weather.gov/medford for forecast updates and a
possible upgrade of the this watch to a Red Flag Warning.

&&

$$


Visit us at www.weather.gov/Medford
784 
WWUS86 KMFR 120549
RFWMFR

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Medford OR
1049 PM PDT Wed Aug 11 2021

ORZ617-122330-
/O.CAN.KMFR.FW.W.0038.000000T0000Z-210812T0600Z/
/O.CON.KMFR.FW.W.0039.210812T2100Z-210813T0600Z/
/O.CON.KMFR.FW.A.0029.210813T2100Z-210814T0600Z/
Umpqua National Forest-
1049 PM PDT Wed Aug 11 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TO 11 PM PDT
THURSDAY FOR HAINES 6 WITH EXISTING FIRE FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 
617...

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING FOR ABUNDANT LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS FOR 
FIRE WEATHER ZONE 617...

...RED FLAG WARNING ON WEDNESDAY FOR HAINES 6 WITH EXISTING FIRE 
FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 617 HAS EXPIRED...

* Impacts: For the Haines 6 conditions, very dry and unstable 
  conditions will support extreme fire behavior. Plume domination 
  is possible with locally-generated erratic and gusty winds. 
  Spotting could be problematic.

	For the abundant lightning, Lightning and high fire danger will 
	likely result in new fire starts. Gusty thunderstorm winds could 
	contribute to fire spread. Despite rainfall, initial attack 
	resources could be overwhelmed and holdover fires are possible. 

* Haines 6 Affected areas: The Jack Fire and Devils Knob Complex
in fire weather zone 617.

* Weather: Humidity As low as 12 percent with a Haines 6. Gusty
and erratic winds are possible near smoke plumes.

* Thunderstorms: Mainly isolated thunderstorms are expected, but
some scattered coverage is possible across the eastern portion of
the zone. Gusty and erratic winds are possible near thunderstorms.

* Abundant Lightning Affected area: In Southwest OR...Fire Weather
Zone 617.

* View the hazard area in detail at:
https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mfr/HAZARD

Precautionary/preparedness actions...

Gather your fire evacuation kit now. Collect essentials you don't 
want to lose and prioritize your checklist. Visit ready.gov/kit for
more information.

Familiarize yourself with your evacuation plan. Where will you go?
How will you get there? Who will you call to let others know your
are safe? Visit ready.gov/wildfires for more information.

A Red Flag Warning does not mean there is a fire. It means that
critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will
shortly. These conditions promote rapid spread of fire which may
become life threatening. Evacuate if ordered to, or if a fire
threatens.

&&

$$

ORZ616-122330-
/O.CAN.KMFR.FW.W.0038.000000T0000Z-210812T0600Z/
/O.CON.KMFR.FW.W.0039.210812T2100Z-210813T0600Z/
Umpqua Basin-
1049 PM PDT Wed Aug 11 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TO 11 PM PDT
THURSDAY HAINES 6 WITH EXISTING FIRE FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 616...

...RED FLAG WARNING ON WEDNESDAY FOR HAINES 6 WITH EXISTING FIRE 
FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 616 HAS EXPIRED...

* Impacts: Very dry and unstable conditions will support extreme 
  fire behavior. Plume domination is possible with locally- 
  generated erratic and gusty winds. Spotting could be problematic.

* Affected areas: Skyline Complex spread across fire weather zone
616.

* Weather: Humidity As low as 15 percent with a Haines 6. Gusty
and erratic winds are possible near smoke plumes.

* View the hazard area in detail at:
https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mfr/HAZARD

Precautionary/preparedness actions...

Avoid tossing burning cigarettes on the ground, parking hot
vehicles on dry vegetation, and using equipment that can cause
sparks. Follow all fire restrictions. Find links to restrictions
at weather.gov/medford/wildfire. One less spark, one less
wildfire.

Gather your fire evacuation kit now. Collect essentials you don't
want to lose and prioritize your checklist. Visit ready.gov/kit
for more information.

Familiarize yourself with your evacuation plan. Where will you go?
How will you get there? Who will you call to let others know your
are safe? Visit ready.gov/wildfires for more information.

A Red Flag Warning does not mean there is a fire. It means that
critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will
shortly. These conditions promote rapid spread of fire which may
become life threatening. Evacuate if ordered to, or if a fire
threatens.

&&

$$

CAZ280-281-284-285-ORZ621-623>625-122330-
/O.CON.KMFR.FW.A.0029.210813T2100Z-210814T0600Z/
Western Klamath National Forest-
Central Siskiyou County Including Shasta Valley-
Siskiyou County from the Cascade Mountains East and South to Mt
Shasta-Modoc County Except for the Surprise Valley-
Siskiyou Mountains-Southern Oregon Cascades-
Klamath Basin and the Fremont-Winema National Forest-
South Central Oregon Desert including the BLM Land in Eastern Lake
and Western Harney Counties-
1049 PM PDT Wed Aug 11 2021

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING FOR ABUNDANT LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS FOR FIRE 
WEATHER ZONES 280...281... 284...285...621...623...624 AND 625...

* Impacts: Lightning and high fire danger will likely result in new
  fire starts. Gusty thunderstorm winds could contribute to fire
  spread. Despite rainfall, initial attack resources could be
  overwhelmed and holdover fires are possible.

* Affected area: 
  In Northern CA Fire Zones...280...281...284...285.
  In South Central OR Fire Zones...624...625.
  In Southwest OR Fire Zones...621...623.

* Wind: Northwest 5 to 10 mph, except for gusty and erratic winds
  near thunderstorms reaching up to 40 mph.

* Thunderstorms: Mainly isolated thunderstorms are expected, but
some scattered coverage is possible across the eastern portion of
the zone. Gusty and erratic winds are possible near thunderstorms.

* Humidity: As low as 14 percent.

* View the hazard area in detail at:
https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mfr/HAZARD

Precautionary/preparedness actions...

If you have not packed your evacuation kit yet, now is the time to
do so. This includes items like important documents and essentials
you cannot live without. Fill your vehicle's fuel tank. Visit
ready.gov/kit for more information.

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. Check weather.gov/medford for forecast updates and a 
possible upgrade of the this watch to a Red Flag Warning.

&&

$$


Visit us at www.weather.gov/Medford

The office that day

Everything else NWS Medford, OR issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Aug 9, 11:28 AM PDTExcessive Heat WarningMFRCoos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath5 days
Aug 9, 11:28 AM PDTHeat AdvisoryMFRKlamath, Lake4 days
Aug 9, 1:36 PM PDTHazardous Seas WarningMFR33 hr

Nearby

Red Flag Warnings in Oregon, 2021Every red flag warning in 2021

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.