Heat wave will threaten host of temperature records, Medford forecaster says

Published 5:00 am Sunday, August 13, 2023

A heat wave arriving Sunday will threaten several temperature records and last several days, and the National Weather Service is advising Rogue Valley residents to be extremely cautious.

Temperatures from Sunday to Thursday are expected to be in the triple-digits, said Christine Riley, a meteorologist with the NWS Medford office.

“We always advise people to avoid going out in the heat of the day, but if you have to, stay in the shade. Stay really hydrated, wear light, loose-fitting clothes and check on vulnerable populations,” she said Friday.

The most serious aspect of the heat wave is its duration, Riley said. 

“It’s not just one or two days. We’re talking several days in a row, and we’re not going to get a lot of overnight cooling,” she said.

The predicted minimum high and low temperatures in Medford will either approach or break records over the week, Riley said.

Monday’s minimum predicted low of 74 would break the previous record of 70 set in 2021, while the daytime temperature forecast of 107 would approach the previous record of 108 set in 2021, Riley said.

Tuesday’s predicted high of 108 would tie the previous record set in 2020 for that date. The forecasted minimum temperature of 74 would easily surpass the previous record of 71 set in 2021, Riley said.

Wednesday’s forecast high of 108 would break the previous record of 107 set in 1977, she said, adding that Thursday is expected to be 105, which would tie the previous record set in 1992.

To stay cool throughout the heat wave, Rogue Valley residents have a multitude of rivers and lakes to enjoy. Even within urban areas, residents have a variety of options to beat the heat. 

Medford is partnering with ACCESS to offer a cooling shelter at the former Kelly Shelter at 324 W. Sixth St. The shelter will be open from noon to 8 p.m. daily from Sunday, Aug. 13, to Tuesday, Aug. 15. The shelter will include a cooling area for pets, according to the city of Medford’s website.

Medford has set up text notifications for citizens who would like to be notified when warming or cooling shelters are opened. Text MED4SHELTERS to 888777 to receive the latest on severe weather event shelters in Medford.

Ashland will provide a cooling shelter from 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13, at the Ashland library, 410 Siskiyou Blvd. Hours are dependent on volunteer availability. Well-behaved pets are allowed, according to a press release from the city of Ashland.

Medford boasts six splash pads at Pear Blossom Park, the Lone Pine Spray Park, Lewis Park, Hawthorne Park, Oregon Hills Park and Fichtner-Mainwaring Park.

In Ashland, residents can cool off at Garfield Park’s splash pad, while Central Point residents can go to the Don Jones Memorial Park splash pad.

Eagle Point also has a spray park.