Medford, OR – Relentless summer sunshine and near-record temperatures will grip southern Oregon on Thursday, July 24th, as the region braces for a surge of heat impacting cities from Medford to Eugene. Afternoon highs will soar to 96°F in Medford, making travel along Interstate 5 especially uncomfortable and potentially hazardous for those without proper hydration or cooling plans.
According to the National Weather Service, Thursday’s hot, sunny stretch extends across the Rogue Valley, southern Willamette Valley, and Pendleton, with highs reaching 92°F in Eugene and 94°F in Pendleton. Calm winds will give way to light afternoon breezes, but little relief from the heat is expected before sunset. Residents are urged to limit outdoor activity during peak hours, drink plenty of water, and never leave pets or children in parked vehicles.
Portland will also heat up, reaching 86°F on Thursday with light west-northwest winds. Those traveling major routes like I-5 and Highway 97 should check vehicle coolant levels and plan for possible heat-related delays, especially near Medford and Eugene where road surfaces may become dangerously hot.
By Friday, a slight drop in temperatures brings relief, with Medford and Eugene cooling into the upper 80s, while Portland stays in the mid-80s. Sunny, stable conditions dominate the weekend, keeping wildfire risk elevated. Outdoor events and travel plans remain largely unaffected, but health officials remind Oregonians to watch for heat exhaustion symptoms and check on vulnerable neighbors.
Looking ahead, the heat lingers through early next week, with highs in the mid to upper 80s across the state through Tuesday, July 29th. No major storms or rain are in sight, making this a stretch of classic Oregon summer weather—ideal for outdoor plans but demanding extra care in the heat. More updates will follow if advisories or alerts are issued. Stay weather-aware and take precautions to stay cool as the season’s peak continues.
