Heat, Smoke And Elevated Fire Danger Expected Across Southern Oregon

ROSEBURG, Ore. - A major warming and drying trend will begin Monday across Southern Oregon, bringing several days of hot weather, periods of smoke and increasing fire danger.

The National Weather Service in Medford said a thermal trough and strengthening high pressure will cause temperatures to rise quickly. Monday will serve as the transition into the heat wave, with Roseburg expected to reach a high near 89 degrees under sunny skies.

Patchy smoke is expected to move into the Roseburg area Monday afternoon. Smoke is forecast to become widespread Monday night, mainly between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m., before conditions begin improving. Monday night’s low will be around 58 degrees.

North winds of 7 to 11 mph are expected Monday, with gusts reaching approximately 18 mph. Winds will become north-northwesterly Monday night but could continue gusting to around 18 mph.

The hottest weather is expected Tuesday through Thursday.

A Heat Advisory will be in effect for the Umpqua Valley from 11 a.m. Tuesday through 11 p.m. Thursday. High temperatures around Roseburg and other communities in central Douglas County are expected to reach approximately 96 to 99 degrees, with overnight lows generally remaining between 60 and 65 degrees.

Elsewhere in Southern Oregon, some inland valleys could reach or exceed 100 degrees. Temperatures between 100 and 110 degrees are possible in portions of the Rogue and Illinois valleys, while communities east of the Cascades are expected to experience widespread temperatures in the 90s.

Medford could approach a record high Wednesday, with the current forecast calling for approximately 106 degrees. Forecasters said there is also a small chance temperatures could exceed 110 degrees in Medford.

Some locations in Northern California could become even hotter. Somes Bar is forecast to reach approximately 113 degrees Tuesday.

The prolonged heat is expected to create at least a moderate risk of heat-related illness across much of the region. Some rural locations could experience major heat risk, especially if daytime and overnight temperatures increase beyond current projections.

People without access to air conditioning, older adults, young children and those working outdoors will be especially vulnerable. Residents are encouraged to drink plenty of water, limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day and check on relatives, neighbors and pets.

Smoke will also remain a concern as northerly and northeasterly winds carry wildfire smoke into the region. The thickest smoke is expected in Klamath and Lake counties, but smoke could also affect communities west of the Cascades, including Douglas County.

Forecasters said the smoke could reduce visibility at times. Smoke may also slightly affect daytime temperatures, although the National Weather Service expects the difference to generally be limited to a few degrees in areas farther from active fires.

The incoming heat will also create increasingly dry fire conditions.

A Red Flag Warning will be in effect from 2 p.m. Monday through 9 p.m. Tuesday for the Illinois and Rogue valleys, the Siskiyou Mountains and portions of the Southern Oregon Cascades. The warning does not currently include the Umpqua Valley, although hot, dry and occasionally windy conditions are expected throughout much of the region.

Humidity could fall into the single digits in some areas Tuesday through Thursday. Overnight humidity recovery may also be poor, particularly along upper slopes and ridges.

The combination of high temperatures, very low humidity and gusty winds could allow a fire to spread rapidly if one begins. Residents should use extra caution with vehicles, machinery, outdoor flames and anything capable of producing a spark.

Despite the heat and dry conditions, forecasters currently see little or no chance of thunderstorms during the next seven days. Temperatures may cool somewhat next weekend but are expected to remain above normal.