Medford’s 72-degree high temperature recorded Thursday, will be a distant, chilly memory by early next week, with Tuesday’s forecast high expected to be 30 degrees warmer, according to the National Weather Service.

The heat is expected to continue rising daily through Memorial Day weekend, capping with potential triple-digit high temperatures for parts of the Rogue Valley.

“So we’re going to see a pretty steep upward trend in temperatures early next week,” National Weather Service meteorologist Connie Clarstrom said.

A high temperature of 88 degrees is forecast Saturday for Medford, Clarstrom said. A Sunday high of 91 is expected to follow, with 97 degrees forecast Monday and a 102-degree high Tuesday, though some models show the Tuesday mercury could climb even higher.

“It’s one that we’re keeping an eye on,” Clarstrom said. “We might be breaking a record on that day, but right now we’re forecasting to tie the record for Tuesday.”

The forecast high temperatures for Monday and Tuesday will be within striking distance of daily temperature records for Medford. The city’s daily high temperature record for May 31 is 100, set in 2001. The daily high record for June 1, set in 1924, is 102.

Clarstrom cautioned that beating the heat in area rivers can be risky, as much of the water remains frigid.

Temperatures are going to soar this memorial day weekend. Please be mindful and wear a life jacket when going for a dip in cold water. Scan the code for more info about cold water safety. #memorialday #heatwave #coldwater pic.twitter.com/y87nep8vaU

— NWS Medford (@NWSMedford) May 28, 2021

“We are reminding everyone to be aware that the rivers are very cold and to wear life jackets,” Clarstrom said.

The heat is expected to persist into Wednesday and Thursday, with temperatures forecast in the 100s and mid-90s.

Reach Mail Tribune web editor Ryan Pfeil at 541-776-4468 or rpfeil@rosebudmedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ryanpfeil.