Medford, Oregon, is in for a brutal stretch of heat this week, with temperatures expected to soar to 104°F by Wednesday afternoon.
A Heat Advisory is in effect until 8 p.m. Wednesday, with health officials urging residents to stay indoors, limit outdoor activity, and stay hydrated during the peak heat hours. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming weather and how to stay safe.
Weather Forecast for the Week Ahead
The National Weather Service reports that Wednesday, July 16, will bring intense heat to Medford. A high of 104°F is expected, marking potentially the hottest day of the week.
As temperatures climb, haze will linger through the afternoon before slightly clearing up later in the evening. Winds will remain mostly calm, offering little relief from the scorching heat.
Reduced Visibility
: Drivers on Interstate 5, especially between Medford and Grants Pass, should prepare for reduced visibility due to lingering haze, particularly before 2 p.m. Wednesday. It’s recommended to limit non-essential travel during the hottest part of the day (3–6 p.m.) to reduce heat exposure.
Heat Risks
: The combination of high heat and stagnant air could increase health risks, especially for children, the elderly, and outdoor workers. It’s crucial to stay hydrated, take breaks in cooler environments, and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
Daily Highs for the Week
Thursday, July 17
: Temperatures will remain dangerously high, reaching 100°F.
Friday, July 18:
Expect 99°F with continued heat and minimal cooling overnight.
Overnight Lows
: Lows will remain in the upper 60s, offering little reprieve from the heat.
Weekend Outlook
Looking ahead to the weekend, temperatures will slightly cool but remain hot:
Saturday
, July 19: Mostly clear skies with a high of 96°F.
Sunday
, July 20: Sunny skies with a high of 92°F.
Monday
, July 21: Expect sunny skies and a high near 94°F.
While temperatures will ease a bit, fire risk and air quality issues will likely continue through early next week, as no rain is expected.
Safety Tips for the Heat
With temperatures hitting 104°F on Wednesday, it’s important to take precautions to stay safe:
Stay
in air-conditioned areas as much as possible, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Hydrate
frequently, especially if you’re spending time outdoors.
Avoid
strenuous outdoor activities during peak heat hours, from 3–6 p.m..
Never
leave pets or people in parked vehicles, as temperatures inside a car can rise dangerously quickly.
Check
on neighbors, especially vulnerable individuals, to ensure they are managing the heat.
5-Day Forecast for Medford (July 16–21)
Wednesday
: Sunny, high of 104°F, low of 68°F.
Thursday
: Sunny, high of 100°F, low of 67°F.
Friday
: Sunny, high of 99°F, low of 68°F.
Saturday
: Mostly clear, high of 96°F, low of 65°F.
Sunday
: Sunny, high of 92°F, low of 64°F.
Monday
: Sunny, high near 94°F.
Stay Alert for Extended Advisories
Jackson County Emergency Management will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed. Additional heat advisories may be issued if temperatures stay dangerously high or if wildfire risk increases.
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