Red Flag Warning issued as wildfire risks surge in Oregon and Idaho

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for parts of southeast Oregon and southwest Idaho. The alert covers the period from 6 PM Friday to noon MDT Saturday, with scattered thunderstorms and gusty winds expected to increase fire risks. An upper trough will bring unstable weather to the region. Dry thunderstorms are forecast to start in southeast Oregon, producing abundant lightning and raising the risk of new wildfires. These storms will shift overnight into wetter conditions across Idaho, including the Owyhee Mountains and Southern Highlands.

Gusty and erratic outflow winds up to 45 mph may accompany the storms. These winds could cause fires to spread rapidly if ignited by lightning. As a result, outdoor burning is strongly discouraged during this time. Residents are advised to stay alert and monitor updates on weather.gov or local weather pages. The combination of lightning, dry conditions, and strong winds heightens the danger of fire starts. Safety precautions are urged until the warning period ends.