Record Heat Returns To The Pacific Northwest Late Week

Tom Moore
Published: August 17,2016
This summer has featured occasional periods of heat across the Pacific Northwest and another one is set to develop. High pressure will produce sunny skies and some record heat across the region. The core of the heat will be mainly west of the Cascades.
The heat will persist through Saturday before easing off a bit by Sunday.
Several locations, especially over western sections of Washington and Oregon, are likely to approach or exceed daily high temperature records.
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

Temperatures are likely to range from the mid-90s to well above 100 degrees.

Forecast Highs For The Northwest

Here are some Northwest cities where the forecast high will either be near or above the record high for the day indicated:
Thursday: Portland (current record: 96); Eugene, Oregon (current record: 98); Olympia, Washington (current record: 94)
Friday: Quillayute, Washington (current record: 85); Hoquiam, Washington (current record: 89); Portland (current record: 94)
Saturday: Portland (current record: 94); Medford, Oregon (current record: 103; Bellingham, Washington (current record: 83)
(MORE: July 2016 was Earth's Warmest Month on Record)
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.

In addition, a fire weather watch is also in effect for much of western Washington and Oregon through Friday 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.
High temperatures in the 90s to over 100 degrees can be expected from late week into the weekend in lower elevations, mainly west of the Cascade Mountains and away from the immediate coast. By Sunday, the high pressure ridge will weaken and temperatures will come down.
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