Eugene, Oregon – A dangerous heat wave is set to grip the Willamette Valley starting Tuesday, with Eugene temperatures soaring to 96°F by afternoon. The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory in effect from 12 p.m. Tuesday through 10 p.m. Wednesday, warning of health risks for residents without access to cooling.
According to the NWS Portland office, Wednesday will likely be the hottest day, with a 70% chance Eugene will hit 99°F. The advisory spans the I-5 corridor, affecting travelers and outdoor workers from Portland to Eugene. Heat-related illnesses become significantly more likely during these extreme temperature events. Locals are urged to stay indoors, hydrate often, and avoid strenuous activity between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Schools are not in session, but vulnerable populations — particularly the elderly and unhoused — should take extra precautions. For those without air conditioning, public cooling centers and libraries offer safe alternatives. Winds will stay light, but stagnant air could reduce air quality if wildfire smoke develops nearby.
Looking ahead:
- Tuesday (July 15): Sunny, high near 96°F, light winds gusting up to 18 mph
- Wednesday (July 16): Peak heat, high of 99°F, lows around 59°F overnight
- Thursday (July 17): Still hot, high near 92°F, mostly sunny
- Friday (July 18): Sunny and warm, high of 91°F, slight cooling trend begins
- Saturday (July 19): Mostly clear, slightly cooler at 89°F — more seasonal
- Sunday (July 20): High near 88°F, offering moderate relief from midweek heat
Residents should monitor updates at weather.gov/portland. Another advisory may follow if conditions worsen.
