Increased lightning risk across region triggers red flag warning for Monday

An unstable monsoonal air mass moving through Southern Oregon is bringing an elevated risk of lightning that could spark new fires on an already dry landscape, according to the National Weather Service in Medford. National Weather Service - Medford image
August 24, 2025

Monsoonal air mass brings unstable weather, lightning risk; weather officials urge caution as storms could spark new fires

Ashland.news staff report

A monsoonal air mass will appear across Southern Oregon, bringing with it an elevated risk of lightning across the region, including Ashland, forecasters say.

The National Weather Service in Medford noted that the unstable conditions are capable of producing gusty winds, hail, and new fire starts across an already parched landscape.

Weather service officials also issued a red flag warning on Sunday, Aug. 24, for abundant lightning on dry fuels, along with associated outflow winds up to 50 mph.

An unstable monsoonal air mass moving through Southern Oregon is bringing an elevated risk of lightning that could spark new fires on an already dry landscape, according to the National Weather Service in Medford. National Weather Service – Medford image

The weather service issues a red flag warning when it identifies weather conditions that promote the rapid spread of fire, which may become life-threatening. It does not mean there is a fire.

The red flag warning will be in effect Monday, from 1 to 9 p.m., according to a Sunday, Aug. 24 online post.

The monsoonal air mass notice and red flag warning follow an extreme heat warning, which remains in effect until 8 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 25.

Cooling shelters will be open through Sunday at the Ashland Public Library at 410 Siskiyou Boulevard. The library is open from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.  

Email Ashland.news associate editor Steve Mitchell at [email protected].

Picture of Steve Mitchell

Steve Mitchell

Related Posts...

Picture This: Grizzlies on parade

Fall colors? How about crimson red and white for Ashland High School? Autumn took a Grizzly turn as the annual AHS Homecoming Parade made its way through downtown Ashland. The Grizzly football team will face the Mazama High School Vikings from Klamath Falls at 7 p.m. Friday for the homecoming game.

Read More »

Ashland Parks & Rec preps for ‘fiscal ledge’

A looming fiscal cliff was top of mind at a joint meeting of the Ashland City Council and Ashland Parks & Recreation Commission Tuesday night. Councilors pressed the Parks Department to come up with plans to cut costs before a temporary parks fee sunsets in less than two years.

Read More »

Our Sponsors

Siskiyou School's Winter Faire Festival and Holiday Market Ashland Oregon
Ashland Food Project Building Community Ashland Oregon
Rogue Theater Company Waiting for Godot Grizzly Peak Winery Ashland Oregon

Latest posts

Picture This: Grizzlies on parade

Fall colors? How about crimson red and white for Ashland High School? Autumn took a Grizzly turn as the annual AHS Homecoming Parade made its way through downtown Ashland. The Grizzly football team will face the Mazama High School Vikings from Klamath Falls at 7 p.m. Friday for the homecoming game.

Read More >

Ashland Parks & Rec preps for ‘fiscal ledge’

A looming fiscal cliff was top of mind at a joint meeting of the Ashland City Council and Ashland Parks & Recreation Commission Tuesday night. Councilors pressed the Parks Department to come up with plans to cut costs before a temporary parks fee sunsets in less than two years.

Read More >

Our Sponsors

Ashland Community Composting Ashland Oregon
ScienceWorks Hands-on Museum Monster Ball Ashland Oregon
Conscious Design Build Ashland Oregon
City of Ashland Public Notice Ashland Oregon

Explore More...

Fall colors? How about crimson red and white for Ashland High School? Autumn took a Grizzly turn as the annual AHS Homecoming Parade made its way through downtown Ashland. The Grizzly football team will face the Mazama High School Vikings from Klamath Falls at 7 p.m. Friday for the homecoming game.
Cori Frank: I was privileged to attend the groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 2 for 19 pickleball courts in Medford. This will be an economic boon to the city.
Chris Millias: Both Republicans and Democrats seem to wait until the last possible moment to act. By turning every policy deadline into a crisis, they create leverage for their side — but at the cost of responsible governing.
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival has announced casting and directors for its 2026 season
A looming fiscal cliff was top of mind at a joint meeting of the Ashland City Council and Ashland Parks & Recreation Commission Tuesday night. Councilors pressed the Parks Department to come up with plans to cut costs before a temporary parks fee sunsets in less than two years.

Don't Miss Our Top Stories

Get our newsletter delivered to your inbox three times a week.
It’s FREE and you can cancel anytime.

ashland.news logo

Subscribe to the newsletter and get local news sent directly to your inbox.

(It’s free)