Fall Feels Like Summer as Temperatures Soar This Weekend

MEDFORD, Ore. (Oct. 2, 2026) — Southern Oregon is in for a summer-like stretch of weather despite the calendar turning to fall, with temperatures in the Medford area expected to climb into the 90s this weekend and remain well above normal through much of next week.

Medford is forecast to reach the low 90s Saturday and Sunday, followed by temperatures in the mid-90s Monday through Thursday. The warmest days are currently expected to be Wednesday and Thursday, when temperatures could reach 95 degrees.

The warming trend comes as a strong area of high pressure builds over the region. High temperatures across the broader area are expected to reach 10 to 20 degrees above normal Saturday and Sunday, with temperatures remaining about 10 to 15 degrees above seasonal averages through much of next week.

The unusually warm and dry conditions will bring elevated fire weather concerns, particularly across Northern California and areas east of the Cascades. Critical fire weather conditions are not expected, however, with afternoon winds generally forecast to remain light.

In the Medford area, Saturday is expected to bring mainly sunny skies and highs in the low 90s. Sunday will feature partly cloudy skies in the morning, becoming more overcast during the afternoon, with highs again in the low 90s.

Monday is expected to be mostly sunny with temperatures climbing into the mid-90s. Tuesday and Wednesday should remain sunny, with highs in the low to mid-90s and light, variable winds. Thursday is also expected to be sunny, with temperatures potentially reaching 96 degrees.

The combination of warm temperatures and dry conditions will result in afternoon humidity levels generally ranging from 20% to 35% in West Side valleys, while east-side areas and Northern California valleys could see humidity levels drop into the teens.

Overnight humidity recoveries are expected to remain more favorable in valley locations, helping moderate the overall fire-weather threat. Upper slopes and ridges, however, could experience poorer overnight humidity recoveries, particularly Saturday night and Sunday.

Although temperatures are expected to remain below typical summer highs, the combination of heat and dry vegetation will create summer-like conditions during the fall. Dry grasses and leaves remain present in many areas, and residents are urged to use caution with activities that could create a spark.

A weak disturbance moving into Northern California Sunday night into Monday could bring a 5% chance of showers or isolated thunderstorms in Modoc County. The disturbance is expected to move east of the region Monday afternoon.

The warm and dry pattern is expected to continue through much of next week before temperatures begin trending lower toward the end of the week. Forecast models indicate a trough moving into the region from the northwest, which should bring temperatures closer to seasonal norms.