Extreme high temperatures predicted for Saturday in Oregon, along with the potential of thunderstorms Saturday night and Sunday, are creating conditions that are rough on people & animals, and optimal for wildland fire ignition and spread.
National Weather Service offices in Portland and Medford are cautioning residents on the western half of the state to expect hot temperatures Saturday, with ranges of 85-95 F for the northern portion of the state, 90-100 F in Douglas County and south, with temperatures potentially reaching 100-105 F around Medford and greater Jackson County. An Excessive Heat Watch is in effect Saturday for several areas.
The National Weather Service in Medford has additionally issued a Fire Weather Watch for Saturday night through Sunday evening, raising concerns that thunderstorms following the extreme temperatures may increase the likelihood of fire ignitions from lightning.
Please be careful with fire and reduce the potential for human-caused fires, both in the forest and wildland-urban interface areas of Oregon.
Kevin Weeks / ODF Public Affairs