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Weather
Weather
Mild, Mostly Dry Week Ahead for Jefferson County Through Veterans Day
After a breezy, cloudy Sunday, Jefferson County can expect mild and mostly dry conditions through mid-week. The National Weather Service forecasts a high near 68 degrees for Veterans Day in Madras — well above the November average of 48 — before a chance of showers returns later in the week.
Weather
Warm Stretch Ahead for Jefferson County Before Weekend Rain Returns
An unseasonably warm and mostly sunny Friday and Saturday are on tap for the Madras area, with highs near 63 today and 69 Saturday before showers return late in the weekend. Veterans Day next Wednesday is also looking mild.
Weather
Clouds Move In, Overnight Freeze Likely: Central Oregon Forecast for Early November
After a mild weekend, overcast skies and colder temperatures are settling over Jefferson County this week, with overnight lows expected to dip to around 31 degrees — the first serious freeze risk of the season.
Weather
Forest Service Launches Pile Burn Season; Smoke Possible Across Central Oregon Through January
The Deschutes National Forest has begun its fall and winter pile burning season, with more than 11,500 acres of slash piles targeted for controlled burns through January 2027. Residents across Jefferson and surrounding counties may notice smoke on active burn days.
Weather
Halloween Weekend Brings First Hard Freeze and Possible Snow to Jefferson County
National Weather Service forecasts overnight lows in the low 30s through the weekend, with a 40% chance of rain and snow showers Saturday night as a cold system pushes through Central Oregon.
Weather
Hard Freeze Possible Overnight: Cold, Dry Pattern Settles Over Jefferson County This Week
A cold, dry air mass is settling over Central Oregon, with overnight lows expected to drop into the teens and 20s across Jefferson County through the weekend. Farmers, ranchers, and homeowners should prepare for hard freeze conditions.
Weather
Smoke Possible in Jefferson County as Fall Prescribed Burns Continue Across Central Oregon
The Deschutes National Forest is deep into its fall prescribed burn season, with up to 5,886 acres targeted across Central Oregon. Jefferson County and Warm Springs corridor residents may experience drifting smoke when winds shift.
Weather
El Niño Winter Outlook: Warmer, Drier Conditions Expected to Impact Jefferson County Through Spring
A strong El Niño pattern — already producing record-warm October temperatures in Central Oregon — is projected to bring below-normal snowpack and tighter water supplies through winter and into the 2027 growing season.
Weather
Dry October Raises Alarm for Jefferson County Farmers as Drought Threatens Second Straight Tough Year
A stubborn drought gripping 57.6% of Oregon shows no signs of breaking this fall, while fire season remains officially in effect — a compounding challenge for Jefferson County farmers and ranchers who may be facing a second straight year of water shortages.
Weather
Residential Burn Season Now Open in Jefferson County — Tips for Safe Debris Burning
Open residential debris burning is now permitted in Jefferson County after fire chiefs across Central Oregon collectively reopened burn season on October 1, 2026, following a dry summer of restrictions.
Weather
Fire Season Still Active in Central Oregon: Check Before You Burn This Fall
Oregon's 2026 fire season hasn't officially ended yet, and debris burning remains prohibited on ODF-protected lands across Jefferson County. Residents are urged to check local restrictions before any outdoor burning this fall.
Weather
Oregon Drought Persists Into Fall — Jefferson County Farmers Face Uncertain Winter Outlook
Over half of Oregon remains in drought and conditions are expected to persist through the rest of 2026, raising concerns for Jefferson County ranchers and farmers ahead of a critical winter snowpack season.