(KTVZ, Bend, OR). The last days of July 2025 will be active weather days with a chance for strong storms each afternoon. Today may be the least active day, but the threat of wildfire growth and isolated late day storms still exists. Highs will be in the 90s today and again Wednesday. Today is the first of three Local Alert Days.
A Red Flag Warning has been issued by the NWS due to the dry fuel on the ground and the dangerous lightning that may spark new fires. Yesterday 14 new fire starts were reported, 12 have been contained. Firefighters continue to suppress the Boulder Fire, 2 miles north of Juniper Butte east of Prineville, OR, and the Kiwa Fire, 3 miles east of Katalo Butte west of Bend, OR.
The Storm Prediction Center has placed the SE portion of Oregon under the Marginal Risk for Severe Storms today. That does include a small portion of SE Deschutes County and Eastern Crook Counties. The storms that develop later today may generate wind gusts near 60 mph, classifying them as severe storms. The storms are going to be high based (the bottom of the clouds near 10k feet) so when the rain starts, it evaporates, cools and the cool air sinks and gusty winds result. Be prepared for some isolated strong straight-line winds late today in the eastern parts of the Tri-counties.
Wednesday and Thursday will be more active than today with strong storms arriving in the mid-afternoon. These storms will generate brief rounds of heavy rain, gusty winds, and lightning. Currently we are only in the General Risk Category for storms (meaning non-severe), but still expecting dangerous weather with lightning and gusty winds.
Temperatures drop to the 80s Thursday as we close out the month on a rainy and stormy note. Of the three days under the “Weather Alert Day” classification, Thursday looks to be the most active. Storms will be off and on most of the afternoon and minor flooding may also be a part of the equation if we have slow moving storms that drop a decent amount of water in one area.
Friday may also be a day with a few storms, but only spotty storms and less coverage.
Overall, an active end to the month. If you are outside this week, stay aware of the storms and if you hear the rumble of thunder get to a safe place.
Please, stay safe and informed.
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