Residents of southwest Oregon should be prepared for increased chances of fire activity and extreme heat this weekend.
The National Weather Service has posted a Red Flag Warning until 8 p.m. today, a Red Flag Warning from 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday and an Extreme Heat Warning from 8 a.m. Sunday through 2 a.m. Tuesday.
The advisories are for Jackson, Josephine and eastern Curry counties including Medford, Ashland, Grants Pass, Merlin, Wilderville and the Illinois Valley.
The Red Flag Warning calls for strong gusty winds and low humidity for the Rogue and Illinois valleys both today and tomorrow. Conditions can lead to rapid growth and spread of new fires.
The Extreme Heat Warning for southwest Oregon calls for the likelihood of high temperatures between 100 and 110 degrees, with very warm overnight temperatures.
Heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat. Warm overnight temperatures will provide little relief from the hot days.
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles where lethal temperatures can occur in a matter of minutes.
