County Herald Weather Center – A powerful heat wave is sweeping across Oregon this week, bringing intensely hot, dry conditions from Sunday, July 7, through Saturday, July 13. Portland, Eugene, Medford, and Pendleton are all expected to experience unrelenting summer heat, with multiple days of sunshine and temperatures surging well above seasonal averages.
- Scorching start: Sunday temperatures climb across Oregon
- Triple digits ahead: Portland, Medford, and Pendleton brace for peak heat
- Brief reprieve: Cooler air returns to Portland and Eugene by midweek
- Wildfire risk elevated as dry weather persists
- Late-week forecast: Mild relief, but heat lingers in southern Oregon
Scorching start: Sunday temperatures climb across Oregon
Today, Sunday, the heat intensifies with highs reaching the upper 80s°F (around 31°C) in Eugene, low 90s°F (around 33°C) in Pendleton, and a blistering 97°F (36°C) in Medford. Skies remain clear across the state, setting the stage for a string of dangerously hot afternoons.
Triple digits ahead: Portland, Medford, and Pendleton brace for peak heat
Monday marks a sharp rise in temperatures, especially in southern and eastern Oregon. Portland is expected to reach 91°F (33°C), while Pendleton will climb to 97°F (36°C), and Medford could top out at 103°F (39°C). The peak of the heat wave is anticipated on Tuesday, when Pendleton may hit 101°F (38°C).
Despite cooler nighttime lows, ranging from the upper 50s°F (around 14°C) to low 60s°F (around 16°C), the afternoon heat will remain intense and prolonged, especially in Medford and Pendleton, where triple-digit heat may persist through midweek.
Brief reprieve: Cooler air returns to Portland and Eugene by midweek
By Wednesday, a modest cool-down is forecast for northern and western Oregon. Portland and Eugene will see highs dip into the upper 70s°F (around 25°C) to low 80s°F (around 27°C), under partly cloudy skies. However, Medford and Pendleton will remain significantly warmer, holding steady in the upper 90s°F (around 37°C).
Wildfire risk elevated as dry weather persists
Humidity will stay moderate, but the persistent dryness and high heat elevate the risk of wildfire ignition and spread, particularly across central and southern Oregon. The National Weather Service has issued a heat warning, urging caution for those spending extended time outdoors.
Late-week forecast: Mild relief, but heat lingers in southern Oregon
As Thursday and Friday approach, northern Oregon cities like Portland and Eugene will settle into milder temperatures, with highs in the low-to-mid 80s°F (28–29°C). In contrast, Medford and Pendleton will continue to grapple with hot weather, hovering in the upper 80s°F (around 31°C) to low 90s°F (33°C).
Stay alert for updates as this heat wave evolves, especially in the hardest-hit regions of southern Oregon.
