A low-pressure system could bring isolated showers, lightning strikes, and winds up to 60 mph on Wednesday
By Steve Mitchell, Ashland.news
The National Weather Service Medford office has issued a red flag warning due to the risk of “abundant” lightning striking on dry fuels from 2 to 11 p.m. Wednesday, July 30, in areas of Southern Oregon including Ashland.
The weather service issues a red flag warning when they identify weather conditions that promote rapid spread of fire which may become life-threatening. It does not mean there is a fire.
A low-pressure system moving into Jackson County is expected to generate thunderstorms, isolated showers, hail, lightning, and strong winds, according to Dan Weygand, a lead meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Medford.
Weygand said that while the storms are expected to be wet, the rain does not completely prevent fire starts.
He said the weather service is also forecasting wind gusts up to 60 mph. However, Weygand said, the strong winds are expected to be “very transient.”
“They (winds) will be there for 15 or 30 minutes associated with the storm and then things should calm right down afterwards,” he said.
Weygand said the weather pattern is expected to shift by Thursday and Friday, with thunderstorm activity likely returning to northern California and south-central Oregon.
He said on Wednesday that people should stay informed and monitor local weather services for updates.
“Wednesday is going to be a good day to pay attention to any statements that need to be issued,” he said.
Email Ashland.news associate editor Steve Mitchell at stevem@ashland.news.
