Forecasters say high temps will be in the lower 80s in Ashland

Rogue Valley Times staff report

The Rogue Valley could get a respite from persistent summer wildfire smoke by Monday, according to the National Weather Service in Medford. Unhealthy air, meanwhile, was reported Saturday in some cities.

Forecasters predict haze Saturday into Saturday night throughout the valley with a high of 95 degrees in Medford and 90 in Ashland, according to the NWS website.

At 3 p.m. Saturday, air-quality readings for the Rogue Valley were a mix of unhealthy, unhealthy for sensitive groups and moderate, with the worst air in Jacksonville, Central Point and, in particular, Eagle Point.

Haze and patchy smoke from regional wildfires could linger Sunday through the evening, with a high of 93 predicted in Medford and Grants Pass, 88 in Ashland and 92 in Eagle Point.

NWS predicts sunny and clear skies Monday through Wednesday with highs in the mid- to -upper 80s in Medford. Ashland’s high temperatures early next week are forecast in the lower 80s.

People can take the following precautions to protect their health during unhealthy air readings, according to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality:

• Follow local burn restrictions to prevent deteriorating air quality.

• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during periods of poor air quality.

• People with heart or lung problems and young children are especially vulnerable. These people should stay indoors while smoke levels are high.

• Use certified High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters in indoor heating, ventilation, cooling and air-purification systems.

• Avoid using wood-burning stoves and other sources of indoor smoke, if possible.

For additional information, see oregonsmoke.org.

This story first appeared in the Rogue Valley Times.