Warming Trend Ahead for Southern Oregon; Fire Weather Concerns Grow

Medford, Oregon- Southern Oregon residents can expect a stretch of mostly clear, dry weather this week, with temperatures gradually warming through the weekend and into early next week, according to the National Weather Service.

Satellite imagery Tuesday morning showed clear skies across the region, except for areas south of Brookings, where persistent marine stratus clouds were expected to linger into mid-morning. A few high, thin cirrus clouds were drifting overhead, but most of the area will experience a sunny day.

Interior temperatures are forecast to rise 3 to 5 degrees above Monday’s highs, with seasonal conditions continuing into Wednesday. A weak weather front could bring increased cloud cover and a slight chance of isolated showers in northwest Douglas and northern Coos counties Wednesday, though most locations are expected to remain dry.

Looking ahead, a stronger ridge of high pressure will begin building over the region starting Friday, setting the stage for a significant warm-up. Interior westside valleys are expected to see high temperatures soar into the triple digits over the weekend and into early next week. East of the Cascades, highs will range from the low to mid-90s.

The coast will remain seasonable and cooler, with the exception of Brookings. Persistent offshore winds will trigger the Chetco Effect, potentially pushing temperatures there into the upper 80s or low 90s from Friday through the weekend.

Fire weather conditions are also expected to intensify, with dry and stable air dominating the forecast. Breezy east to northeast winds near ridgelines in southwest Oregon and western Siskiyou County will contribute to moderate to locally poor overnight humidity recoveries beginning Thursday night and lasting into Saturday night.

East winds are expected to weaken Sunday night, allowing for improved overnight recoveries. However, warm nighttime temperatures at higher elevations, coupled with hot, dry days, will continue to elevate fire danger across the region.

No significant precipitation is expected through early next week.