Record Heat Returns To The Pacific Northwest

Tom Moore
Published: August 19,2016
A scorching heat wave will continue in the Pacific Northwest through Saturday, with temperatures threatening or topping daily record highs.
The core of the heat will be mainly west of the Cascades in western Oregon and western Oregon.
The National Weather Service has issued various heat alerts in the Pacific Northwest through Saturday, including Seattle, Portland, Salem, Eugene and Medford.

Northwest Heat Advisories

High temperatures are likely to range from the mid-90s in the north to well above 100 degrees in more southern locations in these areas.

Forecast Highs For The Northwest

Portland, Oregon, set a new daily record high Thursday by reaching 99 degrees (old record was 96 degrees, set just last year). Medford, Oregon, soared to a daily record of 108 degrees.
Quillayute, Washington, near the Olympic Peninsula's Pacific coast, soared to 96 degrees Thursday, only the ninth day as hot or hotter, there, dating to 1966, last done almost exactly six years ago (Aug. 14,2010).
And, as in most heat waves, some "low" temperatures are notably warm.
Quillayute also struggled to dip below 80 degrees Friday morning, owing to hot winds blowing from land toward the ocean.
Then, there was Seattle Friday morning:
NWS Seattle ✔ @NWSSeattle

Unless #Seattle dips below 69 degrees by 1 AM tonight, Seattle had it's warmest August night on record & tied for 2nd warmest ever. #wawx

9:59 AM - 19 Aug 2016

On Friday, Seattle shattered its record high of 89 by hitting 95 degrees. Portland, Oregon hit the century mark, breaking its daily record by 3 degrees. Eugene, Oregon also broke its record by 3 degrees by reaching 101 degrees.
Here are some Northwest cities where the forecast high will either be near or above the record high for the day indicated:
Saturday: Portland (current record: 96); Medford, Oregon (current record: 103); Seattle (current record: 87)
(MORE: July 2016 was Earth's Warmest Month on Record)
Fortunately, the heat will finally ease by Sunday west of the Cascades as the upper-level pattern changes.
This extended period of hot temperatures will increase the risk of heat related illnesses and injuries.
The National Weather Service has also published some heat safety tips for those who will be affected.

• Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Reschedule any outdoor activities to early morning or evening hours.
• Check in on relatives and neighbors who might be suceptible to heat related illnesses.
• Don't leave children and pets in a hot car.
• Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded area.
• Heat stroke is an emergency. Dial 911.

Fire weather warnings are in effect throughout the weekend. Fires started in western Washington and Oregon could spread quickly.
In addition, a fire weather watch is also in effect for much of central Washington and Oregon through Sunday evening.
Breezy conditions and very low relative humidity levels will act to increase the fire danger in these areas.
(MORE: Pattern Change to Bring a Taste of September This Weekend)

Late Week Jet Stream Forecast

Setup For Record Heat

A strong ridge of high pressure aloft, or bulge in the jet stream, building off the west coast of the U.S. will nudge eastward into the Pacific Northwest. Air tends to sink and warm in this environment so skies will be mostly clear.
With virtually no clouds and low moisture content in the air, the sun's energy can be used to heat the air, allowing temperatures to soar during the daylight hours.
By Sunday, the high pressure ridge will weaken and temperatures will come down.
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