Warmth may challenge record highs in northwestern US Memorial Day weekend

By Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

May 26,2017, 12:08:18PM,EDT

 

The recent cooldown will not set a precedent for the rest of the month in the Northwest. A temperature rebound is forecast for the region to start the weekend.

Each of the three days of the Memorial Day weekend is likely to feature at least partial sunshine and highs mainly in the 80s F for Seattle and Spokane, Washington, and Boise, Idaho.

Temperatures could touch 90 in Portland and Pendleton, Oregon, on Sunday and Memorial Day. Highs in the 90s are likely at The Dalles, Oregon, and Redding, California, where temperatures could even touch 100.
Highs will be within a few degrees of record levels on Sunday and Monday.
Just enough of an offshore flow is likely to last long enough each day to allow the warmth to reach some of the coastal areas. Highs are forecast to reach the 80s in Salem, Oregon, and Olympia, Washington. Highs on the immediate coast will be mainly in the 60s.
Rain-free weather will accompany the warmth across much of the region through Memorial Day. Only a few locations across the mountains well east of the Cascades are likely to get a passing thundershower or high country snow shower at midweek.
During the Memorial Day weekend, the weather across the West in general will be ideal for most outdoor plans ranging from honorary gatherings or hiking, attending ball games and fishing.
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However, area lakes, streams and the Pacific Ocean are still much too cold for safe swimming. Surf temperatures along the Washington and Oregon coasts range from the upper 40s to the upper 50s. Water temperatures along some streams originating from the Cascades and Rockies are lower.
Attempting to swim in waters this cold can immediately lead to cold water shock, followed by much more dangerous and life-threatening conditions, according to the United States Coast Guard.
Symptoms of cold water shock include gasp reflex, hyperventilation, difficulty holding your breath, rapid heart rate and elevated blood pressure. Following these symptoms, muscle cramps, hypothermia, drowning or cardiac arrest can occur.
Hypothermia can occur in any water temperature below 70, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).