As fire risk increases across western Nevada and parts of northern California and Oregon, residents should be prepared for dangerous conditions on Thursday.
A new round of Red Flag Warnings is now in effect, driven by gusty winds, low humidity, and the potential for dry lightning, all of which heighten the risk of wildfires.
Red Flag Warnings in Western Nevada and Parts of California
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno, a Red Flag Warning will be in effect from noon to midnight PDT Thursday for several areas in Nevada and California.
This includes Eastern Lassen County, the Sierra Front, and much of western Nevada, including Carson City, Douglas, and Churchill counties. Winds could gust up to 45 mph, and humidity levels are expected to drop to just 10%, creating perfect conditions for fast-spreading wildfires.
Warnings Extend Across Multiple States
The Red Flag Warnings don’t only affect Nevada and California; parts of Oregon are also at risk. In southeast Oregon, the NWS Boise office has issued a warning for the Burns BLM and Southern Grasslands, where dry lightning could strike between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. PDT Thursday.
Gusts in this region could reach 50 mph, with minimal rainfall expected, making wildfires even harder to control.
Further west, the NWS in Medford has also issued a Red Flag Warning for the Klamath Basin and Oregon’s south-central deserts, including areas east of Highway 97 and north of Highway 140.
Thunderstorms are expected to continue into Thursday night, with many storms producing little or no rain, further increasing the wildfire danger.
Fire Prevention Measures
Residents in these areas are urged to avoid activities that could ignite a fire, such as welding, starting campfires, or target shooting. It’s essential to stay alert for emergency updates and check with local fire agencies for any restrictions in place.
What to Expect for the Rest of the Week
The Red Flag Warnings remain active through Thursday night, with the possibility of renewed alerts on Friday if dry thunderstorms persist. Firefighters will be on high alert, and residents should stay informed about any changes in conditions.
With the risk of wildfires at its peak across western Nevada, northern California, and parts of Oregon, residents need to stay vigilant on Thursday. Red Flag Warnings, caused by dry conditions, gusty winds, and lightning, make for extremely hazardous fire conditions.
Follow local guidelines, avoid fire-starting activities, and stay updated on emergency alerts to help reduce the risk of wildfires.
