It could be a rough few days for those planning to be outdoors in Oregon.

Between extreme heat, wildfires, crowds and coronavirus, some officials are concerned about the next few days around Oregon as we approach the midpoint of summer.

On Friday, the National Weather Service issued heat advisories around the state, as Portland Fire & Rescue issued a burn ban for Multnomah County, and several national forests warned of increased fire danger.

All of that comes on top of public health officials continual warnings about the spread of COVID-19 as cases remain high including Gov. Kate Browns recent mandate on wearing face masks in crowded outdoor places.

READ MORE: How to stay cool and coronavirus safe this weekend

Some of the most dangerous weather conditions will be in southwest Oregon, where the National Weather Service is predicting temperatures as high as 105 in Medford on Sunday, with dry air and lightning expected over the region Monday.

Brett Lutz, lead forecaster for the National Weather Service in Medford, said that statistically speaking, the last week of July and first week of August are the most dangerous for wildfires in the region, and that conditions are now lining up to continue that trend.

Lightning ignited fires is the bottom line, and possibly a lot of them, Lutz said. Id be concerned if I had outdoor plans Monday.

The forecast is still evolving, he said, and things could change for southwest Oregon including the possibility of sporadic rainfall in some areas but as it stands, the latter part of Monday is a big concern, Lutz said.

Aside from heat, lightning, and crowds, late July is also peak mosquito season for some of the states most popular lakes and backpacking destinations. Theres also still a high risk of drownings, officials warned, especially in deep lakes and fast-moving rivers, though recreation areas around bodies of water also happen to be some of the most popular this summer.

At Oregon state parks, crowds have swelled this year on the Oregon coast and at parks situated along lakes and rivers. At those places, rangers have consistently seen holiday level crowding, parks department spokesman Chris Havel said, up from the normal weekend crowds they see this time of year.

Thats caused more concern when it comes to the coronavirus pandemic. While risk of transmission outdoors remains low, researchers say the virus can still be passed between people at close proximity, especially in crowded places like public restrooms, viewpoints or narrow trails.

Though Oregon now requires face coverings when social distancing isnt possible outdoors, Oregon state parks officials have opted against strict enforcement in favor of education a strategy that has sometimes led to angry conflicts between visitors and rangers. Parks could shut down later this summer, Havel said, if people remain lax about simple precautions like face coverings and social distance.

Thats probably the easiest thing thats under your control right now, just do it, he said about wearing face masks. I cant do anything about mosquitoes, or heat or lightning strikes causing fires. Heres one thing we can do.

While state parks have been busy, another hot summer destination in Oregon, the Columbia River Gorge, has been a little quieter than usual. Thats because a lot of it remains closed.

Popular destinations like Multnomah Falls, Crown Point and the Historic Columbia River Highway have been closed since late March due to the coronavirus pandemic, and theres no immediate plan to reopen them to the public. Thats in addition to places still closed due to damage by the 2017 Eagle Creek fire, like the popular Eagle Creek Trail and Oneonta Gorge.

While places like Rooster Rock State Park and Wachlella Falls remain busy, officials said, the Columbia River Gorge as a whole is quieter than ever.

Stan Hinatsu, recreation staff officer for the U.S. Forest Service in the Columbia Gorge, said agencies hope to begin reopening the scenic highway later this summer, along with some of the waterfall day-use areas. It could happen piecemeal or all at once he said, depending on public health concerns and crowding, and could come with additional precautions put in place for visitors.

We just want to make sure that when we do open, were able to do so in a way that maintains public health and safety, Hinatsu said. Its likely things will look different when we do.

After months spent trying to navigate the pandemic, these heat advisories and wildfire warnings are much more familiar territory for Oregons outdoor recreation agencies, who have long-standing practices in place to warn people about campfires and water safety.

Those who want to avoid the dangers posed by nature and crowds this weekend should be prepared or simply stay at home, they said, and wait for more favorable conditions to go outside. Outdoor recreation can still be safe, as long as people show up with a bit of caution.

I think the most important thing is to try to stay in tune with what the forecast is and plan accordingly, Lutz said. While it seems like a concerning situation, and it definitely is, I think if people are smart and pay attention to the forecast and keep an eye to the sky, they can remain pretty safe.

--Jamie Hale; jhale@oregonian.com; 503-294-4077; @HaleJamesB

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Heat, crowds, fire, coronavirus all causes for concern in Oregon outdoors this weekend - OregonLive