If you can't stand the heat ... umm, sorry

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Did you know that the diameter of the sun is 108 times the size of the diameter of the Earth? We didn't either until Thursday, when Jackson County temperatures hit 108 degrees.

The heat wave, which will continue through the weekend, tied a record for the date. The last time Aug. 14 was so hot was 1933.

What else happened on that date? Well, a forest fire started in the Coast Range, and later became known as the first forest fire of the Tillamook Burn. It was extinguished Sept. 5, after destroying 240,000 acres.

Why tell you that? In order to avoid talking about the expected heat over the next few days; which, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Johnson, doesn't bode well.

"It's not a pretty picture," Johnson said.

The weather service's Medford office issued a special weather statement Thursday, warning that temperatures across Southern Oregon and Northern California would soar to near-record levels.

Strong high pressure aloft will push temperatures in valleys west of the Cascades and in western Siskiyou County, California, to between 100 and 110 degrees over the next few days.

On Thursday, it was 102 in Aurura and 100 in Corvallis, Eugene, Portland, Roseburg, Salem, The Dalles and Scappoose.

The forecast calls for a high of 105 in Medford today. The record for Aug. 15 is 107, set in 1967.

The special weather statement cautions people who plan to be outside during the hot spell to avoid prolonged exposure or strenuous physical activity. Anyone staying outside should drink plenty of fluids. Alcoholic and caffeinated beverages can increase the body's rate of fluid loss, boosting the risk of heat exhaustion or stroke. Lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and a hat will offer protection against the sun, and sunscreen can protect against the burning rays of the sun.

Pets and livestock are especially vulnerable to such intense heat. Animals should have adequate drinking water and a shady place to rest. Pets and people should not be left in vehicles. Even with windows partially rolled down, temperatures can quickly reach deadly levels.

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