Between 2006 and 2025, extreme heat days in Oregon nearly doubled, wildfire smoke days tripled, and days combining both hazards more than quadrupled, according to a report released by the Oregon Health Authority.
The findings come from the OHA Public Health Division's Climate and Health in Oregon report for 2025, which shows that climate-related health threats are increasing across the state, particularly in rural areas.
Rural counties in eastern, central, and southern Oregon experienced the most extreme heat days during the period, while rural southern and central counties saw the highest overall smoke exposure. However, wildfire smoke is increasing fastest in the state's most populated areas — Multnomah and Washington counties — where smoke-related particulate matter in the air has risen more quickly than in other parts of the state.
The state also experienced multiple significant drought periods, including widespread drought in 2015 and extreme drought affecting half the state in 2021.
Health effects from these hazards have been measurable. From 2016 to 2025, hospital emergency departments saw spikes in visits for heat-related illnesses and smoke-related respiratory illnesses, with southern, central, and eastern Oregon experiencing the highest rates. The report also documented concerning trends in youth mental health: 71 percent of Oregon 11th-graders reported stress about the future due to climate change in a 2024 survey, with 37 percent saying these feelings negatively affected their lives.
Other documented impacts include harmful algae blooms — the agency investigated 51 suspected events in 2025 and issued 20 recreational use health advisories — and the first detection of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Jackson County, a species typically found in tropical and subtropical regions that transmits dengue and Zika.
Communities across Oregon are developing adaptation strategies. Marion County is helping older adults reduce energy costs through home energy assessments and heat pump installation. Jackson and Josephine counties hosted a health fair in 2025 where more than 800 residents learned about wildfire smoke risks. Portland-based organizations, including one focused on serving East African refugee and immigrant communities, have used state grants to conduct workshops on heat, air quality, and smoke safety. The Oregon Youth Advisory Council, made up of teenagers from across the state, analyzed data showing that young people feel climate change is beyond their control but want more opportunities to help address it.
"We must continue supporting communities as they identify new, innovative, equitable approaches to adapting to these hazards and limiting health risks," said Public Health Division Director Naomi Adeline-Biggs.