Monsoonal moisture increases wildfire threat around Oregon this weekend

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — Monsoonal moisture takes aim at Oregon as lightning increases the wildfire threat this weekend.

Monsoon doesn’t mean an increase in rain, but rather a directional change in the winds. This weekend’s wind shift will usher in more moist air and the threat of thunderstorm activity.

A ridge of high pressure continues to build and move over Texas. It’s this high pressure placement that will help draw coastal moisture back into western Oregon and southwest Washington.

Very little rain is expected for the Willamette Valley, but high humidity will be abundant. Higher humidity will make temperatures in the 80s feel much warmer as skies remain mostly cloudy.

The increase in moisture and instability in the atmosphere will likely cause thunderstorms to develop over the Cascades and out east.

It’s that thunderstorm potential that could start and spread new wildfires if lightning is abundant and precipitation is low.

The thunderstorm potential will stay through the weekend as red flag warnings do the same. Several of Oregon’s wildfires have been caused by lightning activity.

This weekend is no different as the number of hot and dry days continues to add up in the Pacific Northwest.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as we keep an eye on this developing weather forecast.

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