Alert archive / Oregon / Red Flag Warnings in 2025
Red Flag Warning 4, NWS Medford, OR
NWS Medford, OR issued this red flag warning at Jul 2, 2025, 1:09 PM PDT for Harney County, Klamath County, Lake County, Oregon. It took effect at Jul 3, 2025, 2:00 PM PDT. It was in force for 18 hr. 7 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.
The area
The counties it named, with what was reported inside it.
The facts
- Issued
- Jul 2, 2025, 1:09 PM PDT (20:09 UTC)
- In effect from
- Jul 3, 2025, 2:00 PM PDT
- Expired
- Jul 4, 2025, 8:00 AM PDT
- In force
- 18 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 20:15 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.
What was reported inside it
| Time | Report | Where | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 3, 5:54 PM PDT | TSTM WND GST 45 | 28 Ssw Frenchglen, OR | Fish Fin Rim RAWS. |
| Jul 3, 5:54 PM PDT | TSTM WND GST 45 | 28 Ssw Frenchglen, OR | Mesonet station FFFO3 Fish Fin Rim. |
| Jul 3, 5:57 PM PDT | TSTM WND GST 40 | 18 Nne Andrews, OR | Mesonet station LMCO3 Little Mccoy Creek. |
| Jul 3, 6:49 PM PDT | TSTM WND GST 41 | 15 W Fields, OR | Mesonet station BQFO3 Basque Hills. |
| Jul 3, 8:43 PM PDT | TSTM WND GST 52 | 6 N Wagontire, OR | Mesonet station WTFO3 Wagontire. |
| Jul 3, 9:01 PM PDT | TSTM WND GST 50 | Riley, OR | Mesonet station OD102 Riley (ODOT). |
| Jul 3, 9:31 PM PDT | TSTM WND GST 58 | 3 Ne Burns, OR | Mesonet station OD152 2.6 NE Burns (ODOT). |
Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.
The nearest sounding before it
Salem/Mcnary, OR (KSLE), launched 12:00Z, 8.2 hours before the alert went out and 314 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.
- Mixed-layer CAPE
- 0 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- No buoyant parcel
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 1317 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 14 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- -58 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- -21 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
281 WWUS86 KMFR 022009 RFWMFR URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Medford OR 109 PM PDT Wed Jul 2 2025 ORZ624-625-031215- /O.NEW.KMFR.FW.W.0004.250703T2100Z-250704T0300Z/ /O.CON.KMFR.FW.W.0003.250702T2100Z-250703T0300Z/ Klamath Basin and the Fremont-Winema National Forest- South Central Oregon Desert including the BLM Land in Eastern Lake and Western Harney Counties- 109 PM PDT Wed Jul 2 2025 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM PDT THIS EVENING FOR ABUNDANT LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 624 AND 625... ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TO 8 PM PDT THURSDAY FOR ABUNDANT LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS 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 to 8 PM PDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Given the long stretch of dry and hot and very conditions, lightning efficiency will be moderate for new fire starts. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. * AFFECTED AREA...Today, the Red Flag covers all areas within fire zones 624 and 625 east of highway 97. For Thursday, the Red Flag covers portions of fire zones 624 and 625, roughly north of highway 140 and east of highway 97. * THUNDERSTORMS...Scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms across the region. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Gusts up to 45 mph. These outflow winds can travel up to 25 miles away from the thunderstorm that caused it. * ADDITIONAL INFORMATION...Some storms could be dry with gusty outflows. Also, thunderstorms could continue into Thursday night and early Friday morning. Any overnight storms are more likely to produce significantly less precipitation, or be completely dry. * DETAILED URL...View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Follow all fire restrictions. You can find your county's emergency sign up form as well as links to fire restrictions at weather.gov/medford/wildfire. One less spark, one less wildfire. Be sure you're signed up for your county's emergency alert system. Familiarize yourself with your emergency plan and make sure you listen to emergency services. Visit ready.gov/plan for more information. A Red Flag Warning is issued when we identify weather conditions that promote rapid spread of fire which may become life- threatening. This does not mean there is a fire. These conditions are either occurring now or will begin soon. It is important to have multiple ways to receive information from authorities. && $$ CAZ284-285-030300- /O.CON.KMFR.FW.W.0003.250702T2100Z-250703T0300Z/ Siskiyou County from the Cascade Mountains East and South to Mt Shasta-Modoc County Except for the Surprise Valley- 109 PM PDT Wed Jul 2 2025 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM PDT THIS EVENING FOR ABUNDANT LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 284 AND 285... * IMPACTS...Given the long stretch of dry and hot and very conditions, lightning efficiency will be moderate for new fire starts. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. * AFFECTED AREA...All of Fire Weather Zones 284 and 285. * THUNDERSTORMS...Scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms across the region. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Gusts up to 45 mph. These outflow winds can travel up to 25 miles away from the thunderstorm that caused it. * ADDITIONAL INFORMATION...Some storms could be dry with gusty outflows. * DETAILED URL...View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Follow all fire restrictions. You can find your county's emergency sign up form as well as links to fire restrictions at weather.gov/medford/wildfire. One less spark, one less wildfire. Be sure you're signed up for your county's emergency alert system. Familiarize yourself with your emergency plan and make sure you listen to emergency services. Visit ready.gov/plan for more information. A Red Flag Warning is issued when we identify weather conditions that promote rapid spread of fire which may become life- threatening. This does not mean there is a fire. These conditions are either occurring now or will begin soon. It is important to have multiple ways to receive information from authorities. && $$ Visit us at www.weather.gov/Medford
5 follow-up statements
578 WWUS86 KMFR 031151 RFWMFR URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Medford OR 451 AM PDT Thu Jul 3 2025 ORZ624-625-040200- /O.CON.KMFR.FW.W.0004.250703T2100Z-250704T0300Z/ Klamath Basin and the Fremont-Winema National Forest- South Central Oregon Desert including the BLM Land in Eastern Lake and Western Harney Counties- 451 AM PDT Thu Jul 3 2025 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 8 PM PDT THIS EVENING FOR ABUNDANT LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS 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 to 8 PM PDT today. * IMPACTS...Given the long stretch of dry and hot and very conditions, lightning efficiency will be moderate for new fire starts. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. * AFFECTED AREA...Today, the Red Flag covers portions of fire zones 624 and 625, roughly north of highway 140 and east of highway 97. * THUNDERSTORMS...Scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms across the region. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Gusts up to 45 mph. These outflow winds can travel up to 25 miles away from the thunderstorm that caused it. * ADDITIONAL INFORMATION...Some storms could be dry with gusty outflows. Also, thunderstorms could continue into Thursday night and early Friday morning. Any overnight storms are more likely to produce significantly less precipitation, or be completely dry. * DETAILED URL...View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Follow all fire restrictions. You can find your county's emergency sign up form as well as links to fire restrictions at weather.gov/medford/wildfire. One less spark, one less wildfire. Be sure you're signed up for your county's emergency alert system. Familiarize yourself with your emergency plan and make sure you listen to emergency services. Visit ready.gov/plan for more information. A Red Flag Warning is issued when we identify weather conditions that promote rapid spread of fire which may become life- threatening. This does not mean there is a fire. These conditions are either occurring now or will begin soon. It is important to have multiple ways to receive information from authorities. && $$ Visit us at www.weather.gov/Medford
201 WWUS86 KMFR 031904 RFWMFR URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Medford OR 1204 PM PDT Thu Jul 3 2025 ORZ625-041500- /O.NEW.KMFR.FW.W.0006.250704T2100Z-250705T0300Z/ /O.EXT.KMFR.FW.W.0004.250703T2100Z-250704T1500Z/ South Central Oregon Desert including the BLM Land in Eastern Lake and Western Harney Counties- 1204 PM PDT Thu Jul 3 2025 ...RED FLAG WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM PDT FRIDAY FOR ABUNDANT LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 625... ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TO 8 PM PDT FRIDAY FOR ABUNDANT LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 625... The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect from 2 PM to 8 PM PDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Given the long stretch of dry and hot conditions, lightning efficiency will be moderate for new fire starts. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. * AFFECTED AREA...Through 11 PM tonight, the Red Flag covers all of fire zone 625, roughly north of highway 140 and east of highway 97. From 11 PM tonight to 7 AM Friday, mostly north of Summer Lake. Friday afternoon includes areas near Paisley and north. * THUNDERSTORMS...Scattered thunderstorms this afternoon and overnight into early Friday morning. Another round of scattered thunderstorms is expected Friday afternoon. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Gusts up to 45 mph. These outflow winds can travel up to 25 miles away from the thunderstorm that caused it. * ADDITIONAL INFORMATION...Some storms could be dry with gusty outflows. Any overnight storms are more likely to produce significantly less precipitation, or be completely dry. * DETAILED URL...View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Follow all fire restrictions. You can find your county's emergency sign up form as well as links to fire restrictions at weather.gov/medford/wildfire. One less spark, one less wildfire. Be sure you're signed up for your county's emergency alert system. Familiarize yourself with your emergency plan and make sure you listen to emergency services. Visit ready.gov/plan for more information. A Red Flag Warning is issued when we identify weather conditions that promote rapid spread of fire which may become life- threatening. This does not mean there is a fire. These conditions are either occurring now or will begin soon. It is important to have multiple ways to receive information from authorities. && $$ ORZ623-041500- /O.NEW.KMFR.FW.W.0005.250704T0600Z-250704T1500Z/ Southern Oregon Cascades- 1204 PM PDT Thu Jul 3 2025 ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM THIS EVENING TO 8 AM PDT FRIDAY FOR ABUNDANT LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 623... * IMPACTS...Given the long stretch of dry and hot conditions, lightning efficiency will be moderate for new fire starts. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. * AFFECTED AREA...In Fire weather zone 623, the northeastern portion north of Highway 140. * THUNDERSTORMS...Scattered nocturnal thunderstorms. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Gusts up to 45 mph. These outflow winds can travel up to 25 miles away from the thunderstorm that caused it. * ADDITIONAL INFORMATION...Some storms could be dry with gusty outflows. Any overnight storms are more likely to produce significantly less precipitation, or be completely dry. * DETAILED URL...View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Follow all fire restrictions. You can find your county's emergency sign up form as well as links to fire restrictions at weather.gov/medford/wildfire. One less spark, one less wildfire. Be sure you're signed up for your county's emergency alert system. Familiarize yourself with your emergency plan and make sure you listen to emergency services. Visit ready.gov/plan for more information. A Red Flag Warning is issued when we identify weather conditions that promote rapid spread of fire which may become life- threatening. This does not mean there is a fire. These conditions are either occurring now or will begin soon. It is important to have multiple ways to receive information from authorities. && $$ ORZ624-041500- /O.EXT.KMFR.FW.W.0004.250703T2100Z-250704T1500Z/ Klamath Basin and the Fremont-Winema National Forest- 1204 PM PDT Thu Jul 3 2025 ...RED FLAG WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM PDT FRIDAY FOR ABUNDANT LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 624... * IMPACTS...Given the long stretch of dry and hot conditions, lightning efficiency will be moderate for new fire starts. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. * AFFECTED AREA...Through 11 PM, the Red Flag covers far eastern portions of fire zone 624, including Bly. Between 11 PM and 7 AM Friday, roughly north of Highway 140 including Modoc Point, Beatty and Chiloquin. * THUNDERSTORMS...Scattered afternoon and overnight thunderstorms across the region. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Gusts up to 45 mph. These outflow winds can travel up to 25 miles away from the thunderstorm that caused it. * ADDITIONAL INFORMATION...Some storms could be dry with gusty outflows. Also, thunderstorms could continue into Thursday night and early Friday morning. Any overnight storms are more likely to produce significantly less precipitation, or be completely dry. * DETAILED URL...View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Follow all fire restrictions. You can find your county's emergency sign up form as well as links to fire restrictions at weather.gov/medford/wildfire. One less spark, one less wildfire. Be sure you're signed up for your county's emergency alert system. Familiarize yourself with your emergency plan and make sure you listen to emergency services. Visit ready.gov/plan for more information. A Red Flag Warning is issued when we identify weather conditions that promote rapid spread of fire which may become life- threatening. This does not mean there is a fire. These conditions are either occurring now or will begin soon. It is important to have multiple ways to receive information from authorities. && $$ Visit us at www.weather.gov/Medford
054 WWUS86 KMFR 040032 RFWMFR URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Medford OR 532 PM PDT Thu Jul 3 2025 CAZ285-040600- /O.EXB.KMFR.FW.W.0005.250704T0032Z-250704T0600Z/ Modoc County Except for the Surprise Valley- 532 PM PDT Thu Jul 3 2025 ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM PDT THIS EVENING FOR ABUNDANT LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 623... The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect until 11 PM PDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Given the long stretch of dry and hot conditions, lightning efficiency will be moderate for new fire starts. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. * AFFECTED AREA...All of fire weather zone 285. * THUNDERSTORMS...Scattered thunderstorms with abundant lightning. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Gusts up to 45 mph. These outflow winds can travel up to 25 miles away from the thunderstorm that caused it. * ADDITIONAL INFORMATION...Some storms could be dry with gusty outflows. * DETAILED URL...View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Follow all fire restrictions. You can find your county's emergency sign up form as well as links to fire restrictions at weather.gov/medford/wildfire. One less spark, one less wildfire. Be sure you're signed up for your county's emergency alert system. Familiarize yourself with your emergency plan and make sure you listen to emergency services. Visit ready.gov/plan for more information. A Red Flag Warning is issued when we identify weather conditions that promote rapid spread of fire which may become life- threatening. This does not mean there is a fire. These conditions are either occurring now or will begin soon. It is important to have multiple ways to receive information from authorities. && $$ ORZ625-041245- /O.CON.KMFR.FW.W.0004.000000T0000Z-250704T1500Z/ /O.CON.KMFR.FW.W.0006.250704T2100Z-250705T0300Z/ South Central Oregon Desert including the BLM Land in Eastern Lake and Western Harney Counties- 532 PM PDT Thu Jul 3 2025 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM PDT FRIDAY FOR ABUNDANT LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 625... ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TO 8 PM PDT FRIDAY FOR ABUNDANT LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 625... * IMPACTS...Given the long stretch of dry and hot conditions, lightning efficiency will be moderate for new fire starts. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. * AFFECTED AREA...Through 11 PM tonight, the Red Flag covers all of fire zone 625, roughly north of highway 140 and east of highway 97. From 11 PM tonight to 7 AM Friday, mostly north of Summer Lake. Friday afternoon includes areas near Paisley and north. * THUNDERSTORMS...Scattered thunderstorms this afternoon and overnight into early Friday morning. Another round of scattered thunderstorms is expected Friday afternoon. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Gusts up to 45 mph. These outflow winds can travel up to 25 miles away from the thunderstorm that caused it. * ADDITIONAL INFORMATION...Some storms could be dry with gusty outflows. Any overnight storms are more likely to produce significantly less precipitation, or be completely dry. * DETAILED URL...View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Follow all fire restrictions. You can find your county's emergency sign up form as well as links to fire restrictions at weather.gov/medford/wildfire. One less spark, one less wildfire. Be sure you're signed up for your county's emergency alert system. Familiarize yourself with your emergency plan and make sure you listen to emergency services. Visit ready.gov/plan for more information. A Red Flag Warning is issued when we identify weather conditions that promote rapid spread of fire which may become life- threatening. This does not mean there is a fire. These conditions are either occurring now or will begin soon. It is important to have multiple ways to receive information from authorities. && $$ ORZ624-041245- /O.CON.KMFR.FW.W.0004.000000T0000Z-250704T1500Z/ Klamath Basin and the Fremont-Winema National Forest- 532 PM PDT Thu Jul 3 2025 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM PDT FRIDAY FOR ABUNDANT LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 624... * IMPACTS...Given the long stretch of dry and hot conditions, lightning efficiency will be moderate for new fire starts. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. * AFFECTED AREA...Through 11 PM, the Red Flag covers far eastern portions of fire zone 624, including Bly. Between 11 PM and 7 AM Friday, roughly north of Highway 140 including Modoc Point, Beatty and Chiloquin. * THUNDERSTORMS...Scattered afternoon and overnight thunderstormsacross the region. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Gusts up to 45 mph. These outflow winds can travel up to 25 miles away from the thunderstorm that caused it. * ADDITIONAL INFORMATION...Some storms could be dry with gusty outflows. Also, thunderstorms could continue into Thursday night and early Friday morning. Any overnight storms are more likely to produce significantly less precipitation, or be completely dry. * DETAILED URL...View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Follow all fire restrictions. You can find your county's emergency sign up form as well as links to fire restrictions at weather.gov/medford/wildfire. One less spark, one less wildfire. Be sure you're signed up for your county's emergency alert system. Familiarize yourself with your emergency plan and make sure you listen to emergency services. Visit ready.gov/plan for more information. A Red Flag Warning is issued when we identify weather conditions that promote rapid spread of fire which may become life- threatening. This does not mean there is a fire. These conditions are either occurring now or will begin soon. It is important to have multiple ways to receive information from authorities. && $$ ORZ623-041245- /O.CON.KMFR.FW.W.0005.250704T0600Z-250704T1500Z/ Southern Oregon Cascades- 532 PM PDT Thu Jul 3 2025 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM THIS EVENING TO 8 AM PDT FRIDAY FOR ABUNDANT LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 623... * IMPACTS...Given the long stretch of dry and hot conditions, lightning efficiency will be moderate for new fire starts. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. * AFFECTED AREA...In Fire weather zone 623, the northeastern portion north of Highway 140. * THUNDERSTORMS...Scattered nocturnal thunderstorms. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Gusts up to 45 mph. These outflow winds can travel up to 25 miles away from the thunderstorm that caused it. * ADDITIONAL INFORMATION...Some storms could be dry with gusty outflows. Any overnight storms are more likely to produce significantly less precipitation, or be completely dry. * DETAILED URL...View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Follow all fire restrictions. You can find your county's emergency sign up form as well as links to fire restrictions at weather.gov/medford/wildfire. One less spark, one less wildfire. Be sure you're signed up for your county's emergency alert system. Familiarize yourself with your emergency plan and make sure you listen to emergency services. Visit ready.gov/plan for more information. A Red Flag Warning is issued when we identify weather conditions that promote rapid spread of fire which may become life- threatening. This does not mean there is a fire. These conditions are either occurring now or will begin soon. It is important to have multiple ways to receive information from authorities. && $$ Visit us at www.weather.gov/Medford
373 WWUS86 KMFR 040552 RFWMFR URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Medford OR 1052 PM PDT Thu Jul 3 2025 CAZ285-040700- /O.EXP.KMFR.FW.W.0005.000000T0000Z-250704T0600Z/ Modoc County Except for the Surprise Valley- 1052 PM PDT Thu Jul 3 2025 ...RED FLAG WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 11 PM PDT THIS EVENING FOR ABUNDANT LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 623... $$ ORZ625-041800- /O.CON.KMFR.FW.W.0004.000000T0000Z-250704T1500Z/ /O.CON.KMFR.FW.W.0006.250704T2100Z-250705T0300Z/ South Central Oregon Desert including the BLM Land in Eastern Lake and Western Harney Counties- 1052 PM PDT Thu Jul 3 2025 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM PDT FRIDAY FOR ABUNDANT LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 625... ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TO 8 PM PDT FRIDAY FOR ABUNDANT LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 625... * IMPACTS...Given the long stretch of dry and hot conditions, lightning efficiency will be moderate for new fire starts. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. * AFFECTED AREA...Mostly north of Summer Lake through tonight. Friday afternoon includes areas near Paisley and north. * THUNDERSTORMS...Scattered thunderstorms into early Friday morning. Another round of scattered thunderstorms is expected Friday afternoon. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Gusts up to 45 mph. These outflow winds can travel up to 25 miles away from the thunderstorm that caused it. * ADDITIONAL INFORMATION...Some storms could be dry with gusty outflows. Any overnight storms are more likely to produce significantly less precipitation, or be completely dry. * DETAILED URL...View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Follow all fire restrictions. You can find your county's emergency sign up form as well as links to fire restrictions at weather.gov/medford/wildfire. One less spark, one less wildfire. Be sure you're signed up for your county's emergency alert system. Familiarize yourself with your emergency plan and make sure you listen to emergency services. Visit ready.gov/plan for more information. A Red Flag Warning is issued when we identify weather conditions that promote rapid spread of fire which may become life- threatening. This does not mean there is a fire. These conditions are either occurring now or will begin soon. It is important to have multiple ways to receive information from authorities. && $$ ORZ623-041500- /O.CON.KMFR.FW.W.0005.250704T0600Z-250704T1500Z/ Southern Oregon Cascades- 1052 PM PDT Thu Jul 3 2025 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM PDT FRIDAY FOR ABUNDANT LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 623... * IMPACTS...Given the long stretch of dry and hot conditions, lightning efficiency will be moderate for new fire starts. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. * AFFECTED AREA...In Fire weather zone 623, the northeastern portion north of Highway 140. * THUNDERSTORMS...Scattered nocturnal thunderstorms. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Gusts up to 45 mph. These outflow winds can travel up to 25 miles away from the thunderstorm that caused it. * ADDITIONAL INFORMATION...Some storms could be dry with gusty outflows. Any overnight storms are more likely to produce significantly less precipitation, or be completely dry. * DETAILED URL...View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Follow all fire restrictions. You can find your county's emergency sign up form as well as links to fire restrictions at weather.gov/medford/wildfire. One less spark, one less wildfire. Be sure you're signed up for your county's emergency alert system. Familiarize yourself with your emergency plan and make sure you listen to emergency services. Visit ready.gov/plan for more information. A Red Flag Warning is issued when we identify weather conditions that promote rapid spread of fire which may become life- threatening. This does not mean there is a fire. These conditions are either occurring now or will begin soon. It is important to have multiple ways to receive information from authorities. && $$ ORZ624-041500- /O.CON.KMFR.FW.W.0004.000000T0000Z-250704T1500Z/ Klamath Basin and the Fremont-Winema National Forest- 1052 PM PDT Thu Jul 3 2025 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM PDT FRIDAY FOR ABUNDANT LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 624... * IMPACTS...Given the long stretch of dry and hot conditions, lightning efficiency will be moderate for new fire starts. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. * AFFECTED AREA...Roughly north of Highway 140 including Modoc Point, Beatty and Chiloquin. * THUNDERSTORMS...Scattered overnight thunderstorms across the region. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Gusts up to 45 mph. These outflow winds can travel up to 25 miles away from the thunderstorm that caused it. * ADDITIONAL INFORMATION...Some storms could be dry with gusty outflows. Also, thunderstorms could continue into Thursday night and early Friday morning. Any overnight storms are more likely to produce significantly less precipitation, or be completely dry. * DETAILED URL...View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Follow all fire restrictions. You can find your county's emergency sign up form as well as links to fire restrictions at weather.gov/medford/wildfire. One less spark, one less wildfire. Be sure you're signed up for your county's emergency alert system. Familiarize yourself with your emergency plan and make sure you listen to emergency services. Visit ready.gov/plan for more information. A Red Flag Warning is issued when we identify weather conditions that promote rapid spread of fire which may become life- threatening. This does not mean there is a fire. These conditions are either occurring now or will begin soon. It is important to have multiple ways to receive information from authorities. && $$ Visit us at www.weather.gov/Medford
115 WWUS86 KMFR 041454 RFWMFR URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Medford OR 754 AM PDT Fri Jul 4 2025 ORZ625-050300- /O.EXP.KMFR.FW.W.0004.000000T0000Z-250704T1500Z/ /O.CON.KMFR.FW.W.0006.250704T2100Z-250705T0300Z/ South Central Oregon Desert including the BLM Land in Eastern Lake and Western Harney Counties- 754 AM PDT Fri Jul 4 2025 ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 8 PM PDT THIS EVENING FOR ABUNDANT LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 625... * AFFECTED AREA...Mostly north of Summer Lake through tonight. Friday afternoon includes areas near Paisley and north. * THUNDERSTORMS...Another round of scattered thunderstorms is expected this afternoon. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Gusts up to 45 mph. These outflow winds can travel up to 25 miles away from the thunderstorm that caused it. * DETAILED URL...View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Follow all fire restrictions. You can find your county's emergency sign up form as well as links to fire restrictions at weather.gov/medford/wildfire. One less spark, one less wildfire. Be sure you're signed up for your county's emergency alert system. Familiarize yourself with your emergency plan and make sure you listen to emergency services. Visit ready.gov/plan for more information. A Red Flag Warning is issued when we identify weather conditions that promote rapid spread of fire which may become life- threatening. This does not mean there is a fire. These conditions are either occurring now or will begin soon. It is important to have multiple ways to receive information from authorities. && $$ ORZ623-041600- /O.EXP.KMFR.FW.W.0005.000000T0000Z-250704T1500Z/ Southern Oregon Cascades- 754 AM PDT Fri Jul 4 2025 ...RED FLAG WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 8 AM PDT THIS MORNING FOR ABUNDANT LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 623... Thunderstorm activity from the overnight period has moved out of the area. Isolated showers/thunderstorms are possible through this evening, but coverage will be highest east of this Fire Weather Zone. $$ ORZ624-041600- /O.EXP.KMFR.FW.W.0004.000000T0000Z-250704T1500Z/ Klamath Basin and the Fremont-Winema National Forest- 754 AM PDT Fri Jul 4 2025 ...RED FLAG WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 8 AM PDT THIS MORNING FOR ABUNDANT LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 624... Thunderstorm activity from the overnight period has moved out of the area. Isolated showers/thunderstorms are possible through this evening, but coverage will be highest east of this Fire Weather Zone. $$ Visit us at www.weather.gov/Medford
What forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before this red flag warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Medford, OR wrote its last area forecast discussion before this red flag warning went out at Jul 2, 10:06 AM PDT, 3 hours 3 minutes earlier.
Area forecast discussion, Jul 2, 10:06 AM PDT, 3 hours 3 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Medford OR
1006 AM PDT Wed Jul 2 2025
.DISCUSSION...No planned changes to the forecast this morning.
Yesterday's thunderstorms brought another ~1000 cloud-ground (CG)
strikes across the CWA with the concentration in western Modoc,
Siskiyou and southern Klamath County. We are still expecting
another round of thunderstorms this afternoon and evening, but
they should be a little farther east compared to the last couple
of days as the main axis of moisture and instability shifts to the
east. Isolated to scattered storm coverage will impact areas from
southern Siskiyou County (Trinity/Mt Shasta region) northeast
across Modoc into eastern Klamath and Lake counties. 12z SPC HREF
guidance places the bullseye for lightning probability in these
areas as well enhancing our confidence. Some storms will be still
be dry due to elevated cloud bases (and a very dry sub-cloud
layer). Faster storm motions are also likely today as steering
flow increases to around 10-20kt and this may result in lightning
outside rain cores. Currently, a Red Flag warning is in effect
for these areas this afternoon/evening where numerous new fire
starts are likely due to lightning on dry fuels. In addition to
the new fire starts risk, storms this afternoon will have the
ability to produce strong, gusty outflows of 40-60 mph and hail.
Highest wind/hail threat will be across eastern Lake County.
Storms should push out of the region later this evening (probably
around or just after sunset) and most activity should diminish
anyway due to the loss of instability. -Spilde
&&
.AVIATION...02/18Z TAFs...Marine stratus remains along the Oregon
coast late this morning, mostly affecting areas north of Cape
Blanco, but also the south coast south of Pistol River. Expect
reduced ceilings and visibilities for at least another couple of
hours, but, some improvement to VFR should occur in most areas
this afternoon. Expect marine stratus to re-establish along the
coast tonight and continue into Thursday morning with IFR/LIFR.
Marine layer depth could increase enough to bring some clouds to
the Umpqua Valley near the end of the TAF period, but flight
levels are expected to stay at VFR.
Inland areas look to remain at VFR through the TAF period, though
isolated to scattered thunderstorms east of the Cascades could
briefly lower conditions. Any thunderstorms can produce gusty
outflows of 35-55 kt. All areas are expected to see periods of
gusty winds this afternoon, with those winds decreasing into the
evening. -TAD/Spilde
&&
.MARINE...Updated 800 AM PDT Wednesday, July 2, 2025...Gusty
northerly winds and steep seas continue across area waters.
Conditions will gradually improve through today, with steep seas
continuing south of Cape Blanco through tonight. Relativley calm
conditions are expected Thursday into Friday, then the thermal
trough pattern returns with gusty north winds and sttep seas by
Saturday afternoon. -BPN/DW
&&
.PREV DISCUSSION... /Issued 434 AM PDT Wed Jul 2 2025/
DISCUSSION...This morning's guidance remains in support of
today's forecast. An upper level low looks to weaken as it moves
inland over California. PWAT values and upper level instability
both generally decrease from what was present on Tuesday.
Thunderstorm chances remain in the forecast for this afternoon
and evening, but are more limited to areas east of the Cascades.
Most guidance focuses on a band from Modoc County up through
central Lake County as having the highest chances (20-30%) for
thunderstorm activity with lesser chances (10-20%) into eastern
Klamath and Siskiyou counties as well as into eastern Lake County.
Activity looks to decrease quickly into Wednesday night.
Outside of thunderstorm activity, a cooling trend is forecast to
bring temperatures to just below seasonal levels by Friday, with a
trend back towards warm and dry conditions into next week.
Please see the previous discussion for more details on the short-
and long-term forecast. -TAD
AVIATION...02/12Z TAFs...Marine stratus remains along the Oregon
coast early this morning, mostly affecting areas north of Cape
Blanco. IFR ceilings and IFR to LIFR visibilities look to continue
until later in the morning. VFR levels are expected along the coast
by the afternoon, with marine stratus rebuilding along the coast
tonight. Some clouds may form in the Umpqua Valley near the end of
the TAF period, but flight levels are expected to stay at VFR.
Inland areas look to remain at VFR through the TAF period. All areas
are expected to see periods of gusty winds this afternoon, with
those winds decreasing into the evening. -TAD
MARINE...Updated 300 AM PDT Wednesday, July 2, 2025...Gusty
northerly winds continue over area waters this morning, but have
fallen below gale gusts. Steep wind-built seas remain for all
waters until this afternoon, when steep seas will be limited to
waters south of Cape Blanco. Conditions improve to below advisory
levels for all waters by Thursday morning. Unsettled seas could
return during the weekend as a thermal trough rebuilds, bringing
gusty northerly winds back to area waters. -TAD
FIRE WEATHER...Updated 230 PM PDT Tuesday, July 1, 2025...
Thunderstorms continue to be the main concern. After nearly 1000
cloud to ground strikes yesterday, we expect to see another round of
thunderstorms this afternoon and evening, mainly along and east of
the Cascades, followed by more thunderstorms Wednesday afternoon and
evening, again mainly east of the Cascades. A Red Flag Warning
remains in effect for FWZs 280, 281, and 284 today, but areas east
still remain in moderate fire danger, so no warnings have been
issued there for today. However, these areas will be going to high
fire danger at midnight tonight, so a Red Flag Warning has been
issued for FWZs 284, 285, 624, and 625 due to the next round of
lightning Wednesday afternoon and evening.
We picked up a few more lighting strikes in Klamath and Lake
counties this morning, but conditions have calmed over the last few
hours, with Radar showing only showers as of this writing. We still
expect thunderstorms to develop in just a few more hours, aligning
with max heating this afternoon and evening. Storms today should
behave much like yesterday, with storms early this afternoon perhaps
not producing much of any precipitation to start, then the chance
for wetting rain could increase mid to late this afternoon and
evening. The main reason for the increase chance in wetting rain is
steering winds will be light and high moisture content throughout
the column of the atmosphere. Thus, storms will be slow movers
providing the bigger window of opportunity for storms to produce
locally moderate to heavy precipitation. However, that does not mean
that all storms will produce wetting rain. Some could also produce
little to no rain, because of the dry sub layer below.
Keep in mind, lightning strikes outside of the precipitation cores
are possible. Due to the prolonged period of dry and warm to hot
weather, lightning efficiency will be high to very high for fire
starts. We also have to be mindful of gusty and erratic outflow
winds near and away from the core of thunderstorms.
A few models suggest that some isolated thunderstorms could continue
into the late evening or overnight hours, but as is typical for
these types of situations, confidence on this is low and it will be
something that we'll need to monitor as it occurs.
It should be noted that any residual cloud cover from nightime or
morning convection, much like we have seen across some of the area
east of the Cascades today, could easily reduce thunderstorm chances
by blocking solar heat and therefore reducing instability. This is
not easily predictable until it occurs, and would be the primary
reason the forecast may not turn out as expected.
Although the trough responsible for these past several days of
convection will kick off to the east by Wednesday night, the concern
for thunderstorms could carry over into Thursday as an upper trough
approaches the area from the west. The best chance for storms
Thursday would be along and around the Warners in Lake and Modoc
counties. -BPN
PREV DISCUSSION... /Issued 425 PM PDT Tue Jul 1 2025/
DISCUSSION...Low pressure near the SF Bay area continues to send
moist, southerly flow northward into NorCal and SW Oregon.
Instability is increasing this afternoon due to daytime heating
and we're seeing thunderstorms initiate now. These will increase
in coverage through the afternoon and into this evening. As
mentioned earlier today, steering flow for storms is on the weak
side, so storm motion should be slow (5-15 mph), in a general SE
to NW fashion, but with more of a bending toward the SW in
southern portions of the forecast area (Siskiyou County). Storms
that initiate farther north along the Cascades or in the Highway
97 corridor in Klamath County should propagate more toward the
north. Focus for lightning will be in Siskiyou and western
Modoc/Lake Counties, but also northward into Klamath County and up
the Cascades through about 9 pm or so this evening. Lightning
risk isn't negligible west of the Cascades, but convective
inhibition of 100-300 J/KG should be a limiting factor as to just
how much can really get going and how far west. As it stands,
there is a low probability (~20% chance) of a thunderstorm nearby
the Rogue Valley late this afternoon/evening, but storms are more
likely to affect eastern portions of Jackson County and remain in
the Cascades/Foothills and closer to Butte Falls/Prospect. Main
storm risks through this evening will be strong, gusty outflow
winds due to dry sub-cloud layer and DCAPE in the 1000-1500 J/KG
range as well as small hail and numerous cloud to ground flashes.
With more lightning expected, expect new fire ignitions. Fire
weather discussion below will cover the specifics.
After sunset this evening, the atmosphere will begin to stabilize
and thunderstorms will transition to showers, gradually ending
overnight into Wednesday morning.
The low that is moving into California will continue to move
slowly inland Wednesday afternoon south of Lake Tahoe. This should
bring more of WSW flow aloft from the Cascades westward to end
the risk of lightning in those locations. It will also result in
some gusty afternoon upvalley NNW breezes (15-25 mph) and a drying
air mass. However, the trough axis to the north of the low will
still move through areas east of the Cascades. As such, we are
expecting another round of showers and scattered thunderstorms
over there, primarily from eastern Klamath/Siskiyou counties to
Lake and Modoc counties (just east of Klamath Falls and also
probably just east of Mt. Shasta, though instability could cause
one or two to pop up back to northern Trinity County). A Red Flag
Warning has been issued and should also be detailed in the Fire
Weather section.
Thursday through the 4th of July, another couple of short wave
troughs will swing through in westerly flow aloft. The first will
push onshore into NorCal late Thursday and Thursday night with the
second moving quickly into Oregon behind it on Friday.
Instability and moisture will remain highest in NE Cal and areas
east of the Cascades. So, we have maintained a chance of showers
and thunderstorms for portions of Klamath/Lake and Modoc counties.
It should remain dry though west of the Cascades. Could be some
marine cloudiness each morning/night near the coast. Overall,
with cooler air aloft, most areas should see high temperatures
those days within a few degrees of normal. This means highs in the
low to mid 80s for the valleys west of the Cascades and in the
upper 70s to low 80s over the East Side.
We should be between systems on Saturday. Temperatures edge back
to slightly above normal levels. However, yet another disturbance
will move toward the area. Moisture and instability are modest at
best with this system, so most guidance is not showing any
precipitation. But, we may need to adjust should future model
runs increase these parameters.
Next week, models show a trough (weak closed low?) hanging around
Monday/Tuesday near/just off the NW California coast, but then
the Four Corners high strengthens and retrogrades mid-late week.
This should bring a return of hotter weather with NBM guidance
showing mean high temps in the upper 90s and lower 100s for the
valleys west of the Cascade. -Spilde
&&
.MFR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
OR...Red Flag Warning from 2 PM this afternoon to 8 PM PDT this
evening for ORZ624-625.
CA...Red Flag Warning from 2 PM this afternoon to 8 PM PDT this
evening for CAZ284-285.
PACIFIC COASTAL WATERS...Small Craft Advisory until 5 AM PDT Thursday
for PZZ356-376.
Small Craft Advisory until 11 AM PDT this morning for PZZ350-
370.
&&
MAS/BPN/TADThe office that day
Everything else NWS Medford, OR issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 1, 5:00 PM PDT | Special Weather Statement | MFR | 45 min | |
| Jul 1, 6:44 PM PDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | MFR | Klamath | 46 min |
| Jul 2, 2:59 PM PDT | Special Weather Statement | MFR | 31 min | |
| Jul 2, 3:53 PM PDT | Special Weather Statement | MFR | Lake | 37 min |
| Jul 2, 4:18 PM PDT | Special Weather Statement | MFR | 42 min | |
| Jul 2, 4:34 PM PDT | Special Weather Statement | MFR | 41 min |
Nearby
Red Flag Warnings in Oregon, 2025Every red flag warning in 2025
Sources
The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.