Southern Oregon Heat Advisory Begins Sunday as Triple-Digit Temperatures Hit Medford, Ashland and Grants Pass

The arrival of El Niño in the US is bringing temperatures expected to soar into triple digits across Southern Oregon.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has confirmed that El Niño conditions are present, and the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Heat Advisory for Josephine and Jackson counties, as well as parts of eastern Curry County.

The Heat Advisory Will Be Effective from Sunday Through to Late Tuesday

The Heat Advisory goes into effect at 11 a.m. tomorrow (Sunday), through to 11 p.m. Tuesday, according to an announcement by the National Weather Service office in Medford.

Communities that will be affected are Agnes, Applegate, Ashland, Butte Falls, Cave Junction, Eagle Point, Grants Pass,  Jacksonville, Junction, Medford,  Merlin, O’Brien, and Shady Cove.

Temperatures Will Soar to 110F in West Side Valleys

Temperatures of 100-105F are forecast in some west side valleys encompassing the Willamette, Umpqua, and Rogue River, and 105-110F in western Siskiyou County along the Oregon border.

The high temperatures are expected to be concentrated in the area west of the Cascades, but will also affect the Mt. Shasta region.

The High temperatures Will Increase the Risk of Heat-Related Illnesses

The NWS warns that the high temperatures will increase the risk of heat-related illnesses. Particularly susceptible are older adults, young children, people who work outdoors, and those without access to air conditioning.

Residents are strongly advised to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, remain indoors in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible, and limit time spent in direct sunlight.

Residents should also check on vulnerable relatives and neighbors and not leave children or pets unattended in vehicles, where temperatures can rise rapidly to dangerous levels.