Summerlike warmth to break records across northwestern US

By Renee Duff, AccuWeather.com Meteorologist

April 6,2016; 11:04PM,EDT

 

 

Temperatures more typical of summer will dominate the Northwest, challenging records through late week.
"Temperatures will surge well above normal as a large area of high pressure builds over the West," AccuWeather Meteorologist Ryan Adamson said.
At the peak of the warmth, daytime highs will reach 15 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit above normal, Adamson added.
"The most likely day for widespread record highs will be on Thursday," Adamson explained. "Records are possible in cities such as Seattle; Portland and Medford, Oregon; and Redding, California."

The record warmth is expected to expand farther inland on Friday, encompassing locations such as Boise and Pocatello, Idaho; and Bozeman and Billings, Montana.
Daytime highs are forecast to reach the 70s and 80s across the region, with higher elevations remaining in the 60s. Highs in this range are more typical of mid- to- late-July.
The 80-degree mark will likely be surpassed in Portland, Oregon, which was last achieved on Oct. 5, 2015.
While Seattle may fail to reach 80, the city will experience its highest temperatures since mid-September 2015.
Plenty of sunshine will accompany the warmth, giving area residents an excellent opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy the weather.
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While temperatures are expected to dip slightly this weekend, above-average warmth will hold into next week.
The warmth and sunshine in the West will be a stark contrast to the winterlike chill and snow set to return to the northeastern United States.
A shift in the weather pattern could come as early as next week.
The large area of high pressure responsible for this week's Western warmth will weaken, allowing storms to frequent the West Coast.
Rain and cooler, more seasonable conditions will return to the area by the middle of next week.