Alert archive / California / Red Flag Warnings in 2021

Red Flag Warning 41, NWS Medford, OR

August 15, 2021Modoc County, California

NWS Medford, OR issued this red flag warning at Aug 15, 2021, 2:26 PM PDT for Modoc County, California. It took effect at Aug 16, 2021, 2:00 PM PDT. It was in force for 8 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 15, 2021, 2:26 PM PDT (21:26 UTC)
In effect from
Aug 16, 2021, 2:00 PM PDT
Expired
Aug 16, 2021, 10:00 PM PDT
In force
8 hr
Issued by
NWS Medford, OR

County Modoc County, CA

The radar

The Medford radar (KMAX), 174 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 21:28 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, 9.4 hours before the alert went out and 192 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 2021-08-15Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 37 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 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 2021-08-15The 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
37 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-886 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
1770 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
10 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
8 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
49 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

680 
WWUS86 KMFR 152126
RFWMFR

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Medford OR
226 PM PDT Sun Aug 15 2021

...Gusty winds with low humidities this afternoon into the evening,
and Tuesday afternoon into the evening east of the Cascades...

.An upper trough moves through the region through Tuesday, with
increased west winds and very dry humidities in Modoc county this 
afternoon into the evening. Gusty west winds with continued very 
dry humidities return and spread into east Siskiyou, and Lake and
Klamath counties Tuesday afternoon into the evening.

CAZ285-161230-
/O.NEW.KMFR.FW.W.0041.210816T2100Z-210817T0500Z/
/O.NEW.KMFR.FW.A.0030.210817T2100Z-210818T0500Z/
Modoc County Except for the Surprise Valley-
226 PM PDT Sun Aug 15 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TO 10 PM PDT MONDAY FOR
STRONG GUSTY WIND WITH LOW RH FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 285...
...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
TUESDAY EVENING FOR STRONG GUSTY WIND WITH LOW RH FOR FIRE WEATHER
ZONE 285...

The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Red Flag
Warning...which is in effect from 2 PM to 10 PM PDT Monday. A Fire
Weather Watch has also been issued. This Fire Weather Watch is in
effect from Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday evening.

* Impacts:  Strong, gusty wind with low relative humidity and
critically dry vegetation will greatly increase the spread
potential of any new and existing fires.

* Affected area: 
 In Northern CA...Fire Weather Zone 285. This includes the Modoc
National Forest.

* Wind: Northwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.

* Humidity: As low as 10 percent.

* 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.

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.

&&

$$

CAZ284-ORZ624-625-161230-
/O.NEW.KMFR.FW.A.0030.210817T2100Z-210818T0500Z/
Siskiyou County from the Cascade Mountains East and South to Mt
Shasta-Klamath Basin and the Fremont-Winema National Forest-
South Central Oregon Desert including the BLM Land in Eastern Lake
and Western Harney Counties-
226 PM PDT Sun Aug 15 2021

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
TUESDAY EVENING FOR STRONG GUSTY WIND WITH LOW RH FOR FIRE WEATHER
ZONES 284...624 AND 625...

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

* Impacts:  Strong, gusty wind with low relative humidity and
critically dry vegetation will greatly increase the spread
potential of any new and existing fires.

* Affected area: 
 In Northern CA Fire Zone....284. This includes the Klamath
National Forest. In South Central OR Fire Zones...624...625. This
includes the Fremont-Winema National Forest.

* Wind: Northwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.

* Humidity: As low as 10 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
3 follow-up statements
781 
WWUS86 KMFR 161406
RFWMFR

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Medford OR
706 AM PDT Mon Aug 16 2021

CAZ285-170615-
/O.CON.KMFR.FW.W.0041.210816T2100Z-210817T0500Z/
/O.CON.KMFR.FW.A.0030.210817T2100Z-210818T0500Z/
Modoc County Except for the Surprise Valley-
706 AM PDT Mon Aug 16 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO
10 PM PDT THIS EVENING FOR STRONG GUSTY WIND WITH LOW RH FOR FIRE
WEATHER ZONE 285...
...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING FOR STRONG GUSTY WIND WITH LOW RH FOR FIRE
WEATHER ZONE 285...

* Impacts:  Strong, gusty wind with low relative humidity and
critically dry vegetation will greatly increase the spread
potential of any new and existing fires.

* Affected area: 
  In Northern CA...Fire Weather Zone 285. This includes the Modoc
National Forest.

* Wind: Northwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.

* Humidity: As low as 10 percent.

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

$$

CAZ284-ORZ624-625-170615-
/O.CON.KMFR.FW.A.0030.210817T2100Z-210818T0500Z/
Siskiyou County from the Cascade Mountains East and South to Mt
Shasta-Klamath Basin and the Fremont-Winema National Forest-
South Central Oregon Desert including the BLM Land in Eastern Lake
and Western Harney Counties-
706 AM PDT Mon Aug 16 2021

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING FOR STRONG GUSTY WIND WITH LOW RH FOR FIRE
WEATHER ZONES 284...624 AND 625...

* Impacts:  Strong, gusty wind with low relative humidity and
critically dry vegetation will greatly increase the spread
potential of any new and existing fires.

* Affected area: 
 In Northern CA Fire Zone....284. This includes the Klamath
National Forest. 
 In South Central OR Fire Zones...624...625. This 
includes the Fremont-Winema National Forest.

* Wind: Northwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.

* Humidity: As low as 10 percent.

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

$$


Visit us at www.weather.gov/Medford
697 
WWUS86 KMFR 162045
RFWMFR

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Medford OR
145 PM PDT Mon Aug 16 2021

CAZ285-170845-
/O.UPG.KMFR.FW.A.0030.210817T2100Z-210818T0500Z/
/O.NEW.KMFR.FW.W.0042.210817T2100Z-210818T0500Z/
/O.CON.KMFR.FW.W.0041.210816T2100Z-210817T0500Z/
Modoc County Except for the Surprise Valley-
145 PM PDT Mon Aug 16 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM PDT THIS EVENING
FOR STRONG GUSTY WIND WITH LOW RH FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 285...
...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TO 10 PM PDT TUESDAY FOR
STRONG GUSTY WIND WITH LOW RH FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 285...

The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Red Flag
Warning...which is in effect from 2 PM to 10 PM PDT Tuesday. The
Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect.

* Impacts:  Strong, gusty wind with low relative humidity and
critically dry vegetation will greatly increase the spread
potential of any new and existing fires.

* Affected area: 
  In Northern CA...Fire Weather Zone 285. This includes the Modoc
National Forest.

* Wind: Northwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.

* Humidity: As low as 10 percent.

* 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.

&&

$$

CAZ280-170845-
/O.NEW.KMFR.FW.W.0042.210817T2100Z-210818T0500Z/
/O.NEW.KMFR.FW.A.0031.210818T2100Z-210819T0500Z/
Western Klamath National Forest-
145 PM PDT Mon Aug 16 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TO 10 PM PDT TUESDAY FOR
STRONG GUSTY WIND WITH LOW RH FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 280...
...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
WEDNESDAY EVENING FOR STRONG GUSTY WIND WITH LOW RH FOR FIRE
WEATHER ZONE 280...

The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Red Flag
Warning...which is in effect from 2 PM to 10 PM PDT Tuesday. A
Fire Weather Watch has also been issued. This Fire Weather Watch
is in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday evening.

* Impacts:  Strong, gusty wind with low relative humidity and
critically dry vegetation will greatly increase the spread
potential of any new and existing fires.

* Affected area: 
 In Northern CA...Fire Weather Zone 280. This includes the Klamath
National Forest.

* Wind: Northeast 5 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

* Humidity: As low as 13 percent.

* 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.

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.

&&

$$

CAZ284-ORZ624-625-170845-
/O.UPG.KMFR.FW.A.0030.210817T2100Z-210818T0500Z/
/O.NEW.KMFR.FW.W.0042.210817T2100Z-210818T0500Z/
Siskiyou County from the Cascade Mountains East and South to Mt
Shasta-Klamath Basin and the Fremont-Winema National Forest-
South Central Oregon Desert including the BLM Land in Eastern Lake
and Western Harney Counties-
145 PM PDT Mon Aug 16 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TO 10 PM PDT TUESDAY FOR
STRONG GUSTY WIND WITH LOW RH FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 284...624 AND
625...

The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Red Flag
Warning...which is in effect from 2 PM to 10 PM PDT Tuesday. The
Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect.

* Impacts:  Strong, gusty wind with low relative humidity and
critically dry vegetation will greatly increase the spread
potential of any new and existing fires.

* Affected area: 
  In Northern CA Fire Zone....284. This includes the Klamath
National Forest. 
  In South Central OR Fire Zones...624...625. This 
includes the Fremont-Winema National Forest.

* Wind: Northwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.

* Humidity: As low as 10 percent.

* 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.

&&

$$


Visit us at www.weather.gov/Medford
548 
WWUS86 KMFR 170446
RFWMFR

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Medford OR
946 PM PDT Mon Aug 16 2021

CAZ285-172200-
/O.EXP.KMFR.FW.W.0041.000000T0000Z-210817T0500Z/
/O.CON.KMFR.FW.W.0042.210817T2100Z-210818T0500Z/
Modoc County Except for the Surprise Valley-
946 PM PDT Mon Aug 16 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TO 10 PM PDT
TUESDAY FOR STRONG GUSTY WIND WITH LOW RH FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE
285...

* Impacts:  Strong, gusty wind with low relative humidity and
critically dry vegetation will greatly increase the spread
potential of any new and existing fires.

* Affected area: 
 In Northern CA...Fire Weather Zone 285. This includes the Modoc
National Forest

* Wind: Northwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.

* Humidity: As low as 10 percent.

* 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.

&&

$$

CAZ280-172200-
/O.CON.KMFR.FW.W.0042.210817T2100Z-210818T0500Z/
/O.CON.KMFR.FW.A.0031.210818T2100Z-210819T0500Z/
Western Klamath National Forest-
946 PM PDT Mon Aug 16 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TO 10 PM PDT
TUESDAY FOR STRONG GUSTY WIND WITH LOW RH FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE
280...
...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING FOR STRONG GUSTY WIND WITH LOW RH FOR
FIRE WEATHER ZONE 280...

* Impacts: Strong, gusty wind with low relative humidity and 
  critically dry vegetation will greatly increase the spread 
  potential of any new and existing fires.

* Affected area: In Northern CA...Portions of Fire Weather Zone 
  280 in the horn of Western Siskiyou County. This includes the 
  Klamath National Forest.

* Wind: Northeast 5 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

* Humidity: As low as 13 percent.

* 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.



$$

CAZ284-ORZ624-625-172200-
/O.CON.KMFR.FW.W.0042.210817T2100Z-210818T0500Z/
Siskiyou County from the Cascade Mountains East and South to Mt
Shasta-Klamath Basin and the Fremont-Winema National Forest-
South Central Oregon Desert including the BLM Land in Eastern Lake
and Western Harney Counties-
946 PM PDT Mon Aug 16 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TO 10 PM PDT
TUESDAY FOR STRONG GUSTY WIND WITH LOW RH FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES
284...624 AND 625...

* Impacts: Strong, gusty wind with low relative humidity and 
  critically dry vegetation will greatly increase the spread 
  potential of any new and existing fires.

* Affected areas: In Northern CA, Northeast portions of Fire Zone
  284. This includes north and eastern portions of the Antelope
  Fire and the Klamath National Forest. In South Central OR, Most
  of Fire Zone 624 and Southern Fire Zone 625. This includes the 
  Patton Meadow Fire and the Fremont-Winema National Forest.

* Wind: Northwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.

* Humidity: As low as 10 percent.

* 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.


$$


Visit us at www.weather.gov/Medford

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Aug 15, 2:26 PM PDTFire Weather WatchMFRModoc, Siskiyou23 hr

Nearby

Red Flag Warnings in California, 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.