Residents across western Oregon are bracing for a dangerous weather combination this week, with heightened fire risks on Thursday followed by extreme heat settling in through late Sunday night. According to the National Weather Service in Portland, this one-two punch of hazardous conditions will challenge communities, particularly in the Southern Willamette Valley and surrounding areas.
A Fire Weather Watch will go into effect Thursday afternoon for the Southern Willamette Valley, including areas such as Eugene, Salem, and surrounding communities. North winds of 10 to 15 mph combined with humidity as low as 15% will create ideal conditions for rapid fire spread, and outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. The combination of dry conditions and gusty winds will exacerbate fire danger across the region.
The greater threat arrives on Friday, when an Extreme Heat Watch will be issued for much of western Oregon, including Eugene, Portland, and Salem. High temperatures are forecasted to climb into the upper 90s, with some areas potentially reaching 100°F. The heat will persist into the weekend, and overnight lows will remain uncomfortably warm, staying near 70°F, particularly north of Salem. This lack of cooling at night increases the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for those without access to air conditioning or cooling.
Health officials are advising residents to take precautions, including staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, and checking on vulnerable neighbors or family members. Those without air conditioning should use fans, seek out cooling centers, and keep windows closed when wildfire smoke affects air quality.
Both the Fire Weather Watch and Extreme Heat Watch remain in effect through late Sunday night, with updates expected as conditions evolve. Emergency managers continue to monitor the situation and urge residents to stay informed.
The five-day forecast for Eugene is as follows:
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 86°F and calm winds.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 90°F. Fire Weather Watch in effect.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 96°F. Extreme Heat Watch begins.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 96°F and an overnight low near 62°F.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 96°F.
