By Kristina Pydynowski, Senior Meteorologist
July 30,2015; 10:26PM,EDT
The Northwest is dealing with yet another record-challenging heat wave to close out July. While relief will come next week, this heat wave will not be the last of the summer.
Intense heat will continue to bake the Northwest through Friday with a strong ridge of high pressure in control. Along the I-5 corridor from Medford to Portland to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the heat will challenge daily record highs.
Temperatures will crack the century mark throughout Oregon's Willamette Valley and many of the valley locations of the interior Northwest.
Widespread highs in the 90s F are expected along Washington's I-5 corridor. However, the Puget Sound will help to keep the heat at bay right along the water.
Downtown Seattle will enjoy the cooling effect from the Puget Sound, but more 90-degree days are expected at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac/Seattle's official weather observation site).
Shortly before 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sea-Tac broke the record for the most 90-degree days in a year before the end of July. On Wednesday, this year tied the record of nine days from 1958.
Pacific Northwest Summer Heat
Pacific Northwest Summer Heat
(Figures as of July 30)
(Figures as of July 30)
10
90-Degree days at Sea-Tac this year, breaking the record from 1958 for the most such days.
77 F
Sea-Tac's normal high in late July.
70.7 F
Average temperature so far
this July at Sea-Tac. This month will challenge the record for the
warmest July on record, which is currently held by July 2009 and July
1941 with an average temperature of 69.5 F.
20
90-degree days at Portland. Normal for an entire year is 12 days. The all-time record is 24 days from 2009.
August 16, 2012
The last time temperatures hit 100 F in Portland.
82 F
Portland's normal high in late July.
99 F
Friday's record high from 1974 in Eugene, Oregon, that could be shattered by more than 5 degrees.
Those seeking relief from the heat can head to coastal communities, where the air will be much more comfortable.
Otherwise, residents and visitors are urged to use extreme caution during this heat wave. Be sure to bring plenty of water, wear light clothing and avoid strenuous activities during the midday and afternoon hours (the hottest times of the day).
RELATED:
Forecast Temperature Maps
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If air conditioning is not available and fans are not sufficient, seek out cooling centers. Remember never to leave children or pets in a sealed vehicle even for a short period of time.
The heat will persist but will not be as extreme this weekend along the I-5 corridor. For the interior Northwest, temperatures will remain just as intense as during the final days of July.
Further relief from the heat will come to the entire Northwest next week as the ridge breaks down, but that does not mean an end to additional heat waves.
"Heat will come back during the second week of August for about three to four days," stated AccuWeather Long Range Expert Paul Pastelok.
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