National Weather ServiceOregonExtreme Heat WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Extreme Heat Watches in Oregon
The National Weather Service issued 11 extreme heat watches for Oregon in 2025 and 4 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 4th most of any state. 2026 through September: 4, in line with the average of 4 for those months in 2008-2025. Upper Hood River Valley was covered most often (25 times since 2008).
How many extreme heat watches does Oregon get?
Every extreme heat watch that covered part of Oregon. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 4 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2021 | 17 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2018 | 8 |
| 2017 | 5 |
| 2016 | 2 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2012 | 2 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2009 | 2 |
| 2008 | 1 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does Oregon get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in Oregon?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Hood River Valley | 25 | 6 | August 22, 2025 |
| Lower Columbia | 22 | 3 | August 13, 2023 |
| Western Columbia River Gorge | 21 | 2 | August 13, 2023 |
| South Willamette Valley | 21 | 2 | August 13, 2023 |
| Greater Portland Metro Area | 21 | 2 | August 13, 2023 |
| Central Willamette Valley | 21 | 2 | August 13, 2023 |
| Northern Oregon Cascade Foothills | 20 | 2 | August 13, 2023 |
| Jackson County | 20 | 4 | August 10, 2025 |
| Cascade Foothills in Lane County | 20 | 2 | August 13, 2023 |
| Eastern Curry County and Josephine County | 19 | 4 | August 10, 2025 |
| Coast Range of Northwest Oregon | 18 | 2 | August 13, 2023 |
| Central Coast Range of Western Oregon | 18 | 2 | August 13, 2023 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
What is an extreme heat watch?
An extreme heat watch means dangerous heat is possible in the coming days. It replaced the excessive heat watch in 2025. A watch means the conditions for the hazard are possible or favourable, but it is not yet happening: be ready to act if a warning follows. AreaZine's counts include the excessive heat watches issued before the change. The national record · Every warning type in Oregon.