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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2026

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El Niño Returns

Oregon Forecasters Watch Developing Pacific Pattern That Could Shape the State's Weather Through Winter

By John Oliver A developing climate pattern thousands of miles west of the Oregon coastline is drawing increasing attention from meteorologists and climate scientists, who say it has the potential to influence the state's weather well into the coming fall and winter. Federal forecasters have officially confirmed that El Niño conditions have developed across the equatorial Pacific Ocean, marking the beginning of what could become one of the strongest episodes observed in decades. For Oregon, the announcement does not signal an immediate change in day-to-day weather, nor does it guarantee a particularly wet or snowy season. Instead, it marks the beginning of a largescale shift in atmospheric circulation that has historically altered storm tracks, temperatures and precipitation across much of the western United States. While every El Niño event develops differently, climatologists agree that Oregon now enters a period where seasonal weather patterns deserve closer attention than they have in recent years. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently issued an official El Niño Advisory after ocean temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific climbed well above average and atmospheric conditions began responding in ways consistent with a strengthening event. Current climate projections indicate the system is likely to continue intensifying throughout the summer

New Ransom Note Details before reaching its greatest strength during late autumn and early winter. For much of western Oregon, including the Willamette Valley and portions of the Coast Range, stronger Pacific storm systems become more likely during many El Niño winters. That does not necessarily mean every community will receive above-average rainfall, nor does it guarantee frequent flooding. Instead, the climate pattern shifts the odds toward a more active Pacific storm track, while the exact placement and timing of individual weather systems remain impossible to determine months in advance. Along the Oregon Coast, forecasters will be watching closely for an increase in stronger Pacific storms capable of producing periods of heavy rain, gusty winds, elevated surf and localized coastal flooding during the heart of the winter season. Coastal rivers could also experience greater fluctuations should prolonged storm systems develop later in the year. Southern Oregon presents a more complicated forecast. Communities throughout Josephine, Jackson, Douglas, Curry and Klamath counties have experienced a wide range of outcomes during

previous El Niño events. Some years have delivered beneficial autumn rainfall that helped ease drought conditions and reduced wildfire concerns before winter arrived. Other El Niño seasons have produced warmer-than-average temperatures with less mountain snow, leaving reservoirs and watersheds with fewer long-term water reserves despite periodic rainfall. For residents of Josephine County, the developing pattern should be viewed as an early indicator rather than an immediate concern. Current forecasts suggest little influence on the remainder of the 2026 summer season, meaning wildfire danger will continue to depend primarily on local temperatures, vegetation conditions and shortterm weather systems rather than the developing Pacific climate pattern. If autumn storms arrive earlier than usual, however, they could help bring meaningful moisture to forests and rangelands before another prolonged fire season develops. One of the greatest areas of interest will be Oregon's mountain snowpack. El Niño winters often produce warmer air masses across portions of the Pacific Northwest, increasing the likelihood that

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see FORECASTERS, page 3

As Oregon’s Fire Season Intensifies, Officials Urge Residents to Make Prevention a Daily Habit By John Oliver The arrival of summer has once again transformed Oregon's forests, valleys, grasslands and mountains into landscapes where beauty and risk exist side by side. Across much of the state, warmer temperatures, drying vegetation and declining fuel moisture have combined to create conditions that can allow even a small ignition to grow into a fast-moving wildfire. For many communities, particularly throughout Southern Oregon, this year's fire season has already begun making its presence known as firefighters have responded to several early-season fires while conditions continue to deteriorate with each passing week. State and federal fire agencies are encouraging Oregonians to view wildfire prevention not as a seasonal recommendation, but as a daily responsibility. While firefighters remain prepared to respond whenever a fire breaks out, preventing those fires before they begin remains the most effective way to protect lives, homes, businesses, wildlife and the natural landscapes that define Oregon. Southern Oregon has entered the summer under elevated wildfire awareness as prolonged stretches of warm weather continue drying grasses, brush and forest fuels. Fire danger levels have

increased across portions of Jackson and Josephine counties, and officials expect restrictions to evolve throughout the coming weeks as temperatures climb and vegetation becomes increasingly susceptible to ignition. Similar conditions are developing across many other regions of Oregon, making wildfire preparedness a statewide concern rather than one limited to traditionally fire-prone communities. Although lightning often captures public attention during wildfire season, fire officials continue to remind residents that most wildfires be-

gin through human activity. A single spark from outdoor equipment, an improperly extinguished campfire, discarded smoking materials, fireworks used in dry vegetation or even a vehicle parked over tall grass can quickly ignite surrounding fuels. Under the right weather conditions, what begins as a small roadside fire can spread rapidly, threatening neighborhoods, public lands and critical infrastructure within a matter of hours. Because of these risks, seasonal fire restrictions become increasingly important as summer

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see OREGON’S, page 3

Major Development in Ongoing Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Investigation

By Ellen Ward Newly disclosed investigative records have provided the clearest look yet at the communications sent to the family of missing Arizona woman Nancy Guthrie, revealing details that have significantly altered public understanding of a case that has remained one of the nation's most closely followed kidnapping investigations. While authorities continue to classify Guthrie as a missing person, information reported this week suggests investigators are placing greater weight on the authenticity of ransom messages received shortly after her disappearance, even as many questions remain unanswered. Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her home in the Tucson area during the early days of February, launching a large-scale investigation involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pima County Sheriff's Department. Since then, investigators have conducted extensive forensic examinations, analyzed digital evidence, interviewed witnesses, and pursued numerous tips from the public in an effort to determine what happened and identify those responsible. The investigation initially centered on a ransom demand received shortly after Guthrie's disappearance. According to previously reported information, the first message claimed she was alive and demanded a multimillion-dollar payment in Bitcoin. The communication instructed family members to avoid contacting law enforcement and included threats that the amount demanded would increase if payment was delayed. Authorities immediately began treating the communication as a critical piece of evidence while continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Guthrie's disappearance. New reporting has now revealed the existence and contents of a second communication that investigators have kept largely confidential until this week. According to multiple national news organizations citing investigative sources, the second message was sent the day after the initial ransom demand and claimed that Guthrie had died following the kidnapping. The communication reportedly stated that her death was unintended and sought additional

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see DEVELOPMENT, page 5