Alert archive / Oregon / Red Flag Warnings in 2021

Red Flag Warning 48, NWS Medford, OR

September 8, 2021Harney County, Klamath County, Lake County, Oregon

NWS Medford, OR issued this red flag warning at Sep 8, 2021, 8:11 AM PDT for Harney County, Klamath County, Lake County, Oregon. It took effect at Sep 8, 2021, 2:00 PM PDT. It was in force for 5 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
Sep 8, 2021, 8:11 AM PDT (15:11 UTC)
In effect from
Sep 8, 2021, 2:00 PM PDT
Expired
Sep 8, 2021, 7:00 PM PDT
In force
5 hr
Issued by
NWS Medford, OR

Counties Harney County, OR, Klamath County, OR, Lake County, OR

The radar

The Medford radar (KMAX), 213 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 15:12 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, 3.2 hours before the alert went out and 209 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 2021-09-08Temperature 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 2021-09-08The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 12 square meters per square second.19395878Sfc1 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
2699 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
25 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
12 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
152 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

717 
WWUS86 KMFR 081511
RFWMFR

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Medford OR
811 AM PDT Wed Sep 8 2021


ORZ624-625-090200-
/O.NEW.KMFR.FW.W.0048.210908T2100Z-210909T0200Z/
Klamath Basin and the Fremont-Winema National Forest-
South Central Oregon Desert including the BLM Land in Eastern Lake
and Western Harney Counties-
811 AM PDT Wed Sep 8 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 7 PM PDT
THIS EVENING FOR STRONG GUSTY WIND WITH LOW RH FOR FIRE WEATHER
ZONES 624 AND 625...

The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Red Flag
Warning...which is in effect from 2 PM this afternoon to 7 PM PDT
this 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 South Central OR, eastern and southeastern Fire
  Zone 624 and Fire Weather Zone 625, including the Warner and Hart
  Mountains, Winter Rim, portions of the Fremont National Forest,
  and BLM land in eastern Lake County and western Harney County.
  This includes the communities of Bly, Lakeview, Valley Falls, 
  Paisley and Summer Lake.

* Wind: Southwest 15 to 20 mph with gusts of 30 to 40 mph.

* Humidity: 12 to 15 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
2 follow-up statements
727 
WWUS86 KMFR 082131
RFWMFR

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Medford OR
231 PM PDT Wed Sep 8 2021

...Strong gusty winds expected today followed by strong gusty 
winds and thunderstorms possible Thursday and Friday...

.Strong gusty winds and dry humidities are expected east of the 
Southern Oregon Cascades this afternoon and early this evening. 
An area of low pressure will move towards the region Thursday resulting
in an additional period of strong, gusty winds for areas east of 
the Cascades as well as chances for elevated and potentially dry 
thunderstorms or showers across the East Side and Northern 
California. Strong, gusty outflows are possible with any 
thunderstorms or showers that form Thursday, especially east of 
the Cascades. Thursday night through Friday afternoon, as the low 
begins to move inland, the chance for thunderstorms and abundant 
lightning on dry fuels increases from the Cascades east. Storms are
expected to be accompanied by some rainfall.


ORZ624-625-090945-
/O.NEW.KMFR.FW.A.0037.210909T2000Z-210910T2200Z/
/O.CON.KMFR.FW.W.0048.000000T0000Z-210909T0200Z/
Klamath Basin and the Fremont-Winema National Forest-
South Central Oregon Desert including the BLM Land in Eastern Lake
and Western Harney Counties-
231 PM PDT Wed Sep 8 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM PDT THIS EVENING
FOR STRONG GUSTY WIND WITH LOW RH FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 624 AND 
625...

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
FRIDAY AFTERNOON FOR STRONG GUSTY WIND WITH LOW RH AND ABUNDANT
LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 624 AND 625...

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

* Impacts: This afternoon through Friday: Strong, gusty winds with 
  low relative humidity and critically dry vegetation will greatly 
  increase the spread potential of any new and existing fires.
 
  Thursday afternoon through Friday afternoon: The potential of 
  lightning and high fire danger may result in new fire starts. 
  Despite rainfall, initial attack resources could be overwhelmed and   
  holdover fires are possible. In addition, gusty winds and
  dry humidities on Thursday afternoon along with gusty winds within 
  and away from storms late Thursday and Friday will likely contribute 
  to the spread of any new fires.

* Affected area: 
  In South Central OR...Fire Weather Zones 624 and 625. This 
  afternoon and evening,  this includes Warner and Hart Mountains,   
  Winger Rim, portions of the Fremont National Forest and BLM land 
  in eastern Lake and western Harney Counties. Thursday afternoon
  through Friday afternoon, this includes all of Fire Weather Zones
  624 and 625 including he Klamath Basin and Fremont Winema National
  Forest and BLM land   in eastern Lake and western Harney Counties.

* Wind: 
  This afternoon and evening winds today and Thursday:
  Southwest 15 to 20 mph with gusts up of 30 to 40 mph. Strong, gusty
  and erratic winds expected near thunderstorms or showers Thursday 
  and again Friday.

* Humidity: As low as 12 percent today, then 14 to 20 percent Thursday.

* Thunderstorms: Isolated to scattered, dry thunderstorms are possible 
  Thursday afternoon and evening. Scattered thunderstorms with abundant
  lightning are possible Thursday night and Friday. 

* 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.

&&

$$

CAZ284-285-090945-
/O.NEW.KMFR.FW.A.0037.210909T2000Z-210910T2200Z/
Siskiyou County from the Cascade Mountains East and South to Mt
Shasta-Modoc County Except for the Surprise Valley-
231 PM PDT Wed Sep 8 2021

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
FRIDAY AFTERNOON FOR STRONG GUSTY WIND WITH LOW RH AND ABUNDANT
LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 284 AND 285...

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

* Impacts: 
  The potential of lightning and high fire danger may result in new 
  fire starts. Despite rainfall, initial attack resources could be 
  overwhelmed and  holdover fires are possible. In addition, gusty 
  winds and dry humidities on Thursday along with gusty winds near 
  storms  Thursday and Friday will likely contribute to the spread 
  of any new fires.

* Affected area: 
  In Northern CA...Fire Weather Zones 284 and 285. This includes 
  the Cascade Mountains east in eastern Siskiyou County and Modoc 
  County. 

* Wind: Southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 40 mph in the 
  afternoon and evening. Strong, gusty and erratic winds expected 
  near thunderstorms or showers.
 
* Thunderstorms: Isolated to scattered, dry thunderstorms are possible 
  Thursday afternoon and evening. Scattered thunderstorms with abundant
  lightning are possible Thursday night and Friday. 

* Humidity: 13 to 20 percent Thursday afternoon.

* 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.

&&

$$

CAZ282-090945-
/O.NEW.KMFR.FW.A.0037.210909T2000Z-210910T1200Z/
Shasta-Trinity National Forest in Siskiyou County-
231 PM PDT Wed Sep 8 2021

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
LATE THURSDAY NIGHT FOR STRONG GUSTY WIND WITH LOW RH AND ABUNDANT
LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 282...

The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Fire Weather
Watch...which is in effect from Thursday afternoon through late
Thursday night.

* Impacts: Gusty winds, low relative humidity, critically dry 
  vegetation Thursday afternoon and evening along with a potential 
  for isolated to scattered thunderstorms Thursday afternoon through 
  Thursday night.  Gusty winds will greatly   increase the spread 
  potential of any new and existing fires. Lightning  and high fire 
  danger may result in new fire starts.  Despite rainfall, initial 
  attack resources could be overwhelmed and  holdover fires are 
  possible.

* Affected area: 
  In Northern CA...Fire Weather Zone 282. This includes portions of
  the Shasta-Trinity National Forest in south central Siskiyou County
  near and east of Mount Shasta City. 

* Wind: South winds 8 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph Thursday 
  afternoon. Strong, gusty and erratic winds expected 
  near thunderstorms or showers.

* Thunderstorms: Isolated to scattered thunderstorms may develop
  late Thursday afternoon and continue overnight. Storms are expected
  to initially be dry, with strong, gusty outflows then may moisten up 
  Thursday night and bring rainfall along with gusty winds. 

* Humidity: 15 to 20 percent Thursday afternoon.

* 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.

&&

$$

ORZ617-623-090945-
/O.NEW.KMFR.FW.A.0037.210910T1200Z-210910T2200Z/
Umpqua National Forest-Southern Oregon Cascades-
231 PM PDT Wed Sep 8 2021

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH
FRIDAY AFTERNOON FOR ABUNDANT LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS FOR FIRE 
WEATHER ZONES 617 AND 623...

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

* 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 Southwest OR...Fire Weather Zones 617 and 623. This includes
  the Southern Oregon Cascades and eastern portions of the Umpqua
  National Forest. 

* Thunderstorms: Scattered thunderstorms with abundant lightning may 
  develop late early Friday morning and continue into Friday afternoon. 
  Strong, gusty and erratic winds expected near thunderstorms or showers.

* 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
580 
WWUS86 KMFR 090216
RFWMFR

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Medford OR
716 PM PDT Wed Sep 8 2021

...Strong gusty winds expected today followed by strong gusty
winds and thunderstorms possible Thursday and Friday...

.Strong gusty winds and dry humidities are expected east of the
Southern Oregon Cascades this afternoon and early this evening. An
area of low pressure will move towards the region Thursday
resulting in an additional period of strong, gusty winds for areas
east of the Cascades as well as chances for elevated and
potentially dry thunderstorms or showers across the East Side and
Northern California. Strong, gusty outflows are possible with any
thunderstorms or showers that form Thursday, especially east of
the Cascades. Thursday night through Friday afternoon, as the low
begins to move inland, the chance for thunderstorms and abundant
lightning on dry fuels increases from the Cascades east. Storms
are expected to be accompanied by some rainfall.

ORZ624-625-091430-
/O.EXP.KMFR.FW.W.0048.000000T0000Z-210909T0200Z/
/O.CON.KMFR.FW.A.0037.210909T2000Z-210910T2200Z/
Klamath Basin and the Fremont-Winema National Forest-
South Central Oregon Desert including the BLM Land in Eastern Lake
and Western Harney Counties-
716 PM PDT Wed Sep 8 2021

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH FRIDAY AFTERNOON FOR STRONG GUSTY WIND WITH LOW RH AND
ABUNDANT LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 624 AND
625...
...RED FLAG WARNING HAS EXPIRED FOR STRONG GUSTY WIND WITH LOW RH
FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 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 South Central OR...Fire Weather Zones 624 and 625.

* Wind: This afternoon and evening winds today and Thursday:
Southwest 15 to 20 mph with gusts up of 30 to 40 mph. Strong,
gusty and erratic winds expected near thunderstorms or showers
Thursday and again Friday.

* Humidity: As low as 12 percent today, then 14 to 20 percent
Thursday.

* Thunderstorms: Isolated to scattered, dry thunderstorms are
possible Thursday afternoon and evening. Scattered thunderstorms
with abundant lightning are possible Thursday night and Friday.

* 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.

&&

$$

CAZ284-285-091430-
/O.CON.KMFR.FW.A.0037.210909T2000Z-210910T2200Z/
Siskiyou County from the Cascade Mountains East and South to Mt
Shasta-Modoc County Except for the Surprise Valley-
716 PM PDT Wed Sep 8 2021

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH FRIDAY AFTERNOON FOR STRONG GUSTY WIND WITH LOW RH AND
ABUNDANT LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 284 AND
285...

* 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 Weather Zones 284 and 285.

* Wind: Southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 40 mph in the
afternoon and evening. Strong, gusty and erratic winds expected
near thunderstorms or showers.

* Thunderstorms: Isolated to scattered, dry thunderstorms are
possible Thursday afternoon and evening. Scattered thunderstorms
with abundant lightning are possible Thursday night and Friday.

* Humidity: 13 to 20 percent Thursday afternoon.

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

$$

CAZ282-091430-
/O.CON.KMFR.FW.A.0037.210909T2000Z-210910T1200Z/
Shasta-Trinity National Forest in Siskiyou County-
716 PM PDT Wed Sep 8 2021

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH LATE THURSDAY NIGHT FOR STRONG GUSTY WIND WITH LOW RH AND
ABUNDANT LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 282...

* 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 Weather Zone 282.

* Wind: South winds 8 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph Thursday
afternoon. Strong, gusty and erratic winds expected near
thunderstorms or showers.

* Thunderstorms: Isolated to scattered thunderstorms may develop
late Thursday afternoon and continue overnight. Storms are
expected to initially be dry, with strong, gusty outflows then may
moisten up Thursday night and bring rainfall along with gusty
winds.

* Humidity: 15 to 20 percent Thursday afternoon.

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

$$

ORZ617-623-091430-
/O.CON.KMFR.FW.A.0037.210910T1200Z-210910T2200Z/
Umpqua National Forest-Southern Oregon Cascades-
716 PM PDT Wed Sep 8 2021

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE THURSDAY NIGHT
THROUGH FRIDAY AFTERNOON FOR ABUNDANT LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS FOR
FIRE WEATHER ZONES 617 AND 623...

* 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 Southwest OR...Fire Weather Zones 617 and 623.

* Thunderstorms: Scattered thunderstorms with abundant lightning
may develop late early Friday morning and continue into Friday
afternoon. Strong, gusty and erratic winds expected near
thunderstorms or showers.

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

$$


Visit us at www.weather.gov/Medford

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Sep 8, 2:31 PM PDTFire Weather WatchMFRDouglas, Harney, Jackson, Klamath, Lake, Lane23 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.