Southern Oregon will open its first October weekend with unusually warm afternoons and largely dry weather, sending temperatures into the 90s across parts of the Rogue Valley while coastal communities remain cooler. Sunshine will dominate Saturday, October 3, with some clouds arriving Sunday as the warm spell continues through the weekend.
Medford, Ashland and neighboring Jackson County communities are forecast to reach the lower to middle 90s on both days. Saturday’s clear skies will carry into a mostly clear evening, followed by a sunny start Sunday before clouds increase later in the day. Winds will remain light, generally around 5 mph, offering little breeze during the warmest afternoon hours.
Grants Pass, Merlin and Wilderville will also have a warm, dry weekend. Across Josephine County and eastern Curry County, forecast highs range from the lower 80s to lower 90s, with temperatures varying by elevation and location. Saturday will be sunny, and Sunday will begin with sunshine before becoming partly cloudy. Light valley winds are expected throughout much of the weekend.
Cooler nights will provide a break from the daytime warmth. Across Josephine and Jackson counties, Saturday night temperatures are forecast to fall into the middle 50s to lower 60s. Jackson County will have similar readings Sunday night, with evening clouds giving way to clearer skies. Residents heading out early or staying outdoors after sunset can expect a substantial temperature change from the afternoon.
No land-based weather watches, warnings or advisories were listed for Southern Oregon in the National Weather Service’s Friday morning forecast discussion. Even without a heat advisory, the afternoon temperatures will warrant attention during outdoor work, sports and longer walks or hikes. Taking water along and allowing time for shade and rest will be particularly useful during the hottest part of the day.
The dry weather also brings fire concerns. Grasses and fallen leaves remain capable of catching fire, and the weekend warmth will dry vegetation further during the afternoon. Some hillsides and ridges are expected to receive less overnight moisture, with the driest conditions developing Saturday night into Sunday. Forecasters do not expect the strong winds needed for critical fire-weather conditions, but sparks from equipment or other activities could still ignite dry vegetation.
Roseburg and surrounding central Douglas County communities will reach the lower to middle 80s Saturday. Sunday’s temperatures are forecast to range from the lower 80s to lower 90s across the area. Saturday morning clouds will clear, while Sunday will begin sunny before becoming partly cloudy. Overnight temperatures will fall into the 50s in many locations.
East of the Cascades, Klamath Falls will have sunny skies and afternoon highs near 84 degrees both days. Saturday night will cool to about 48 degrees, followed by a Sunday night low near 50. Winds will remain light, and Sunday night will bring some clouds. The forecast calls for dry conditions through the weekend.
Along the Curry County coast, Saturday temperatures will range from the middle 60s to middle 70s near the ocean, with warmer readings inland. Brookings, Gold Beach and neighboring communities will have sunshine Saturday, followed by partly cloudy skies Sunday. Sunday’s highs are forecast to reach the middle 70s to middle 80s across the coastal forecast area.
Offshore, north winds and steep seas will create a more difficult weekend for small boats. Small craft advisories extend until 2 a.m. Sunday for coastal waters within 10 nautical miles of shore. Advisories for waters farther offshore continue until 8 p.m. Sunday. South of Cape Blanco, offshore seas could reach 5 to 8 feet, with gusts up to 30 knots.
The warmth will continue beyond Sunday. Dry weather and unusually warm temperatures are expected through the first part of next week, with more typical October temperatures possible toward the week’s end.