Medford, OR – Southern Oregon is bracing for near-record heat on Tuesday and Wednesday, with temperatures forecast to soar 15 or more degrees above average, according to the National Weather Service in Medford.
Forecasters say the westside valleys—including Medford, Grants Pass, and Ashland—will be among the hottest spots, with highs pushing into the mid-to-upper 90s. Medford and Grants Pass are both projected to reach 97°F, which could challenge long-standing records. Even typically cooler mountain and coastal areas are expected to run well above normal.
According to the NWS, the unusual warmth will begin Tuesday, Sept. 23, and continue through Wednesday, Sept. 24, before easing slightly into the weekend. The agency noted that the pattern also marks the start of a drying trend, with no precipitation expected until early next week.
Residents are advised to take precautions to avoid heat-related illness. “Remember to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks if outdoors,” the NWS said in its Monday update. Vulnerable groups—including children, the elderly, and those without access to cooling—are at highest risk during this hot spell.
Overnight lows will remain relatively mild, offering little relief in some locations. By Thursday and Friday, temperatures are expected to trend slightly cooler, though conditions will remain warmer than average with continued dry weather.
This stretch of unseasonably hot, dry days comes as fall officially begins, raising concerns for increased fire danger in already dry fuels across the Rogue Valley and surrounding counties. Fire managers urge residents to use caution with outdoor activities that could spark flames.
