EUGENE, Ore. – Residents across western Oregon are bracing for a one-two punch of dangerous weather as fire danger heightens Thursday, followed by extreme heat settling in through late Sunday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Portland, a Fire Weather Watch takes effect Thursday afternoon for the Southern Willamette Valley, where north winds of 10 to 15 mph and humidity as low as 15 percent could quickly spread new fires. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged.
The greater threat arrives Friday morning when an Extreme Heat Watch goes into effect for much of western Oregon, including Eugene, Portland, Salem, and the surrounding valleys. Highs are expected to climb into the upper 90s, with some spots potentially hitting 100 degrees. Overnight lows may stay near 70, offering little relief, particularly north of Salem. Officials warn heat-related illnesses will rise sharply for anyone without access to cooling.
Emergency managers advise residents to stay hydrated, limit time outdoors, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Those without air conditioning are urged to use fans, seek cooling centers, and keep windows shut when wildfire smoke degrades air quality.
Both alerts remain in place through late Sunday, with updates expected as conditions evolve.
Five Day Forecast for Eugene, OR
- Wednesday: Sunny, high 86°F, calm wind.
- Thursday: Sunny, high 90°F. Fire Weather Watch in effect.
- Friday: Sunny, high near 96°F. Extreme Heat Watch begins.
- Saturday: Sunny, high near 96°F. Overnight low near 62°F.
- Sunday: Sunny, high near 96°F.
