Thunderstorms could spark new fires in Oregon

EUGENE, Ore. - Hang on: thunder, lightning, hail, even flash floods are in the forecast for the Cascades and Central Oregon this week.

And just as firefighters get the upperhand on record-setting wildfires in southeastern Oregon, the combination of tinder-dry wildlands and lightning could spark a new round of wildfires.

"Even though many storms will produce a wetting rain, any cloud-to-ground lightning strikes could potentially start new wildfires," the National Weather Service reports.

The so-called "red flag warning" for fires means forecasters see a recipe for fire: lightning; low humidity; warm temperatures; and strong winds.

So a lot hinges on whether and where thunderstorms form. The likeliest place in western Oregon will be the Cascade Mountains and foothills, where forecasters say thunderstroms will be possible mainly Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons.

Parts of central and eastern Oregon are also under a flash flood watch.

Local Forecast | Weather Cameras | Got Weather? Share Your Videos & Photos