Heat to Ease in Northwest After Scorching End to July

August 3,2015; 10:20PM,EDT

 

 

After four consecutive days of 90-degree heat, some relief is on the way for Seattle and other areas in the Northwest U.S.
The oppressive heat that dominated the end of July in the Northwest will be replaced with warm, but more seasonable temperatures this week.
"A persistent dome of high pressure over the Northwest has brought scorching temperatures over the weekend. This feature will gradually shift to the east early in the week, allowing slightly cooler air to filter into the region," AccuWeather Meteorologist Steve Travis said.

The more seasonable weather will be inviting to those with outdoor plans such as hiking, biking and camping. AccuWeather RealFeel® readings made for oppressive conditions for outdoor activities in the final days of July.
Seattle will see the 90-degree Fahrenheit heat replaced with highs near 80 F by Wednesday. The average high temperature for this time of year is 77 F. Despite the cooler weather this week, rain is not in the forecast near Seattle where it is needed.
Portland, Oregon, observed triple-digit heat to conclude the month of July. Residents and visitors will experience temperatures on par with the normal high of 82 F by midweek. Dry conditions will persist over the week.
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This heat relief arrives as an upper-level disturbance digging southeast, displacing the area of high pressure responsible for the heat. A more refreshing onshore flow will take hold by Tuesday.
"Chances for rain will remain relatively low during most of the week with just a few afternoon thunderstorms popping up over higher elevations," Travis said.
Much of the Northwest remains under moderate-to-extreme drought, according to the United States Drought Monitor. Meanwhile, normal to above-average rain fall has lead to minimal drought conditions along the eastern front range of the Rocky Mountains.
While the cooler air will be welcomed early this week, warmer air will yet again build back in towards the end of the week as a ridge of high pressure returns.

Written by Kyle Brown, AccuWeather Meteorologist