Thunderstorms that developed over Oregon’s Cascade Range Wednesday afternoon and evening produced nearly 2,000 lightning strikes, leaving fire officials watching closely for possible new wildfire starts.
The storms formed over the mountains on Wednesday, July 15, with frequent lightning reported across portions of the Cascades. Some of the most dramatic activity was captured near Detroit Lake, where bolts lit up the sky above the heavily forested landscape.
Nearly 2,000 lightning strikes were recorded across Oregon during the event.
Although the storms were not considered severe, they brought a potentially dangerous combination of frequent lightning and limited rainfall. With little moisture reaching the ground in some areas, lightning strikes may have hit dry grass, brush and timber without enough rain to reduce the risk of ignition.
That concern remains even after the thunderstorms have moved on. Lightning-caused fires can smolder for hours or even days before becoming visible, meaning crews could continue discovering new fires through the end of the week.
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A small amount of storm activity had the potential to drift toward the Portland-Vancouver area early Thursday morning. The threat was expected to remain isolated, and most residents were unlikely to see lightning or hear thunder.
Any remaining thunderstorm potential around the metro area was forecast to fade by mid-morning Thursday.
Cloud cover from the unsettled weather was also expected to keep temperatures across the Willamette Valley slightly below average. Highs Thursday were forecast to reach the upper 70s, providing a brief break from hotter midsummer conditions.
The immediate storm threat may be diminishing, but the wildfire danger connected to Wednesday’s lightning has not disappeared. People traveling or recreating in forested areas should remain alert for smoke or signs of a new fire, especially in places that received lightning without substantial rainfall.
