PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Warm, dry and windy conditions expected Saturday prompted a Weather Warning Day – the term forecasters use for high alert conditions KOIN 6 – as the threat of wildfires increases in the Willamette Valley.
The Portland National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Saturday. Tuesday will be 10-15 degrees warmer than normal with strong northwesterly winds keeping valley areas dry.
Relative humidity values will be high enough to maintain unstable fire conditions. Fires that start in these hot, dry and windy conditions are likely to spread quickly.
A wildfire threat remains in effect Friday evening through Saturday evening east of the Columbia River. Winds will increase with gusts as high as 45 mph.
In addition to the wildfire threat, heat will increase at lower elevations through the Cascades and Willamette Valley. Some coastal areas will also experience heat on Saturday.
A heat advisory is in effect until Saturday evening.
Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and rest in the shade and air-conditioned areas this weekend.
Because very little relief from the heat can be found overnight, there is a risk of heat-related illnesses. Early morning lows will fall into the mid-60s for much of the Willamette Valley by Saturday morning and into Sunday morning.
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