Hot Conditions Could Lead to Heat-Related Illness, OHA Warns

Medford, Oregon- As summer peaks and extremes loom, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is urging residents to take precautions against heat-related illnesses amid an Extreme Heat Warning affecting parts of southern Oregon, including the Medford area.

The National Weather Service warns of dangerously hot temperatures ranging from 100 to near 110 degrees alongside warm overnight lows of 65 to 70 degrees. The warning is in effect from 8 a.m. Sunday through 2 a.m. Wednesday for Jackson County and neighboring regions.

Local forecasts for Medford reveal scorching highs in the days ahead:

• Saturday (Aug. 9): High near 95 °F (35 °C), low around 61 °F

• Sunday (Aug. 10): Peaking at 107 °F

• Monday (Aug. 11): Near 106 °F

• Tuesday (Aug. 12): Again reaching around 106 °F

• Wednesday (Aug. 13): Cooling slightly to 100 °F

These intense daytime highs, coupled with limited overnight relief, create a significant risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

OHA warns those most vulnerable—including older adults, infants, children, individuals with chronic medical conditions, and those who work outdoors—to take extra precautions.

The OHA offers the following safety tips:

• Stay in air-conditioned places as much as possible and avoid peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), or shift outdoor activities to early mornings or evenings.

• Use portable fans cautiously—not as the primary cooling source if indoor temperatures exceed 90 °F, as this can worsen heat exposure.

• Seek cooler environments in the absence of air conditioning, such as homes of friends or cooling centers.

• Stay hydrated with water or low-sugar beverages, minimize alcohol and caffeine, and dress in lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

• Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles.

• Use cool compresses, misting, and baths or showers to reduce body temperature.

“Our experience with the 2021 heat dome taught us that extreme temperatures are a real danger in Oregon,” said Gabriela Goldfarb, environmental public health section manager at OHA’s Public Health Division. “We can prevent heat-related illnesses and deaths by recognizing their symptoms, taking steps to stay safe, and caring for our vulnerable family members and friends,” she added.

Signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness, heavy sweating, nausea, and lightheadedness. Heat stroke—a medical emergency—can involve body temperatures above 103 °F, severe headache, confusion, or loss of consciousness, and may lead rapidly to death. OHA advises calling 911 if heat stroke is suspected.

Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members enrolled in Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs) may qualify for support through relief programs such as the Flexible Services Program or HRSN Home Changes for Health benefits during extreme weather—contact details are available via OHA.

Breastfeeding in pool areas remains permitted, and state law protects the right to breastfeed in public.

For local resources, Oregonians can contact 211 info or visit the state’s cooling centers web page for assistance.

With triple-digit highs expected starting this weekend and an Extreme Heat Warning in effect from 8 a.m. Sunday through 2 a.m. Wednesday, residents across Oregon—especially in the greater Medford area—should take all necessary precautions to stay cool, hydrated, and safe.