Wildfire smoke and lightning risks impact Oregon and Washington

Wildfire smoke is expected to impact western Oregon and southwest Washington through Thursday afternoon as easterly winds drift smoke from regional fires into these areas. While the smoke may reach unhealthy levels for some, forecasters expect it to be short-lived as westerly winds return by Friday morning to clear the air.

In Eastern Oregon, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has extended air quality advisories for several counties, including Crook, Harney, Hood River, Jefferson, Malheur, Union, and Wallowa, through at least Friday afternoon. Intermittent smoke is also expected in Baker, Clackamas, Deschutes, Grant, and other surrounding counties.

Weather officials have issued a Red Flag Warning for Baker Valley due to potential lightning ignitions from monsoon moisture. While scattered thunderstorms and a chance of rain are predicted for parts of Eastern Oregon this weekend, the accompanying lightning and gusty winds pose a significant risk for new fire starts.