Red Flag Warning issued for region as ‘abundant’ lightning threat looms

Published 2:00 pm Tuesday, July 29, 2025

The warning is in effect from 2 to 11 p.m. Wednesday; storms could be wet, but lightning strikes outside of precipitation cores are concern for new fire starts

A Red Flag Warning with heightened wildfire conditions will be in place from 2 to 11 p.m. Wednesday for areas of Southern Oregon and Northern California, forecasters said.

The National Weather Service office in Medford predicts abundant lightning on dry fuels as thunderstorms move into the region, according to a website post.

“Isolated to scattered thunderstorms with abundant lightning are possible,” the NWS-Medford post said. “Storms are likely to be wet, but lightning strikes outside of precipitation cores are possible, and cause for concern for new fire starts.”

View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr.  Check weather.gov/medford for forecast updates.

Areas in Southern Oregon under the warning are the eastern Rogue Valley, western Rogue Basin that includes the Illinois Valley, and the Siskiyou Mountains. In Oregon, the warning includes fire weather zones 620, 621 and 622. Areas of Northern California, from Happy Camp to Alturas, also are under the warning.

Gusts of 35 to 50 mph could travel outward up to 25 miles from thunderstorm cores, forecasters warned.

The weather service urged residents and businesses to follow all fire restrictions and avoid activities that could cause sparks.

“If you have not packed your go kit yet, now is the time to do so,” the post said. “This includes items like important documents and essentials you cannot live without. Fill your vehicle’s fuel tank. Visit ready.gov/kit for more information.”

Reach Rogue Valley Times Editor Troy Heie at troy.heie@rv-times.com.