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Umatilla National Forest

Heat Advisory issued July 20 at 3:16PM PDT until July 23 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR

3:16 PM — July 21st, 6:15 AM

* WHAT...Hot conditions with temperatures up to 100 to 103 degrees expected, with 101 to 105 degrees in the Columbia Basin. This will pose a moderate to major risk of heat-related illness. * WHERE...Eastern Columbia River Gorge of Oregon and Washington, Lower Columbia Basin of Oregon and Washington, Foothills of the Northern Blue Mountains of Oregon, Yakima Valley, and Foothills of the Blue Mountains of Washington. * WHEN...From 11 AM Tuesday to 9 PM PDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The heat will begin on Tuesday, with widespread moderate and locally major HeatRisk. Wednesday looks to be the hottest day, with Major HeatRisk across the Columbia Basin, Yakima Valley and portions of the Gorge and Blue Mountain Foothills. Thursday will also see widespread moderate HeatRisk and locally major HeatRisk, mainly across the Columbia Basin. Smoke from area wildfires could end up affecting how hot temperatures get.

Heat Advisory issued July 20 at 11:50AM PDT until July 22 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA

11:50 AM — July 21st, 8:15 AM

* WHAT...Hot temperatures with daytime highs in the mid 90s to near 100 degrees Tuesday, and upper 90s to low 100s Wednesday. * WHERE...Portions of the Idaho Panhandle and Central and Eastern Washington. * WHEN...From 9 AM Tuesday to 9 PM PDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Wednesday will likely be the hottest day this week, though additional heat advisories may be needed on Thursday. Limited overnight relief expected across the lower elevations Tuesday night into Wednesday morning with low temperatures in the mid 60s to mid 70s.

Air Quality Alert issued July 20 at 7:40PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR

7:40 PM — July 23rd, 9:00 AM

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until 4 PM PDT Wednesday. For the Smoke Air Quality Advisory, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ

Overview

Umatilla National Forest spans 1.4 million acres across the Blue Mountains of northeast Oregon and southeast Washington, with elevations ranging from 1,600 to 8,000 feet. The forest is currently open for recreation with winter conditions in effect—visitors should be prepared for snow-covered and muddy roads. Active timber harvest operations are ongoing along FSR 42 on the Pomeroy Ranger District with possible one-lane plowing. Several seasonal winter closures are in place for designated Nordic areas (Meacham Divide, Horseshoe Prairie, Spout Springs, Andies Prairie) and the Bluewood Ski Area from December 1 to March 31, restricting motorized vehicle use. The Mill Creek Municipal Watershed remains closed for public health protection. Recent press releases (December 2025) emphasize winter preparedness. Storm damage has closed FSR 3200 in the Walla Walla District. Standard 14-day camping limit applies. The forest offers over 2,000 miles of roads, 20+ campgrounds, and abundant opportunities for mushroom/huckleberry picking, dispersed camping, and backcountry exploration. No large fires are currently burning.

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