Central Oregon baked under near-record temperatures Tuesday, May 12, with highs in the upper 80s to low 90s across the region. In Madras, the National Weather Service forecast called for a high of 87 degrees — well below the city's all-time record of 97 degrees set in 1931, but still among the hottest days of the year so far.

"Today is going to be one of our hottest days of the year so far," said Brandon Lawhorn, lead meteorologist for the Pendleton office of the National Weather Service. "Then by tomorrow we're looking at a pretty significant cool off."

Records Fell Elsewhere in the Region

While Madras's record was out of reach, other Central Oregon communities were more at risk. Redmond's forecasted high of 90 degrees would surpass its previous record of 88 degrees for May 12. Bend's record for the date was 89 degrees, with forecasts calling for 90 to 91 degrees. Prineville was expected to hit 92 to 93 degrees, potentially matching or breaking its previous daily record of 92.

Afternoon cloud cover and the possibility of thunderstorms moving in from other parts of Oregon could moderate final temperatures, the meteorologist noted.

Cool Weekend Ahead

The hot day is expected to be brief. Wednesday forecasts called for temperatures dropping to the low 60s across the region, with readings near 58 degrees possible by Saturday.

Lawhorn said temperatures will "remain fairly cool" over the next five days, providing some relief — but the spike is a reminder that the fire season is already in full swing across Jefferson County and surrounding areas.

Burn Restrictions Already in Effect

Jefferson County and Jefferson County Fire and EMS issued summer burning restrictions effective sunset on May 3. Under current restrictions:

  • Open burning is prohibited
  • Burning in approved burn barrels with screens is allowed only with a valid permit
  • Burning hours are restricted to sunrise to 10:00 a.m. daily when permitted

Residents are reminded to check TripCheck.com for road conditions and the National Weather Service website for current hazard watches, which include fire weather, high wind, and flood advisories. With warmer-than-normal early May temperatures and the county already under fire restrictions, local emergency managers are watching conditions closely heading into what is shaping up to be another active fire season.