Temperatures Rising for the Pacific Northwest, Expected to Land Well Above Average by Monday

Posted: August 11, 2023 9:30 am

The Pacific Northwest could see the hottest temperatures of the summer in the coming days as a building heat wave sets up over the region. These high temperatures will raise the risk of wildfire danger just as the peak of the season approaches.

Here is what you can expect in this corner of the country beginning through this weekend and continuing into next week.

Significant Shift in Weather Pattern in Store for the Northwest

It has been an unseasonably rainy and cool weather pattern throughout much of the interior Northwest for the first several days of August. This moisture has mitigated the risk of wildfire danger across the region.

However, that is all about to change as a dramatic change to the weather pattern sets up and sends the mercury soaring. Major cities such as Seattle and Portland will see readings that rival the highest temperatures experienced yet this year.

Before the heat begins to build, the region will be under the gun for unusually cool temperatures and a continuation of the monsoon moisture. The remnants of former Tropical Storm Eugene is currently providing the moisture punch for the monsoon rains across the Southwest. This rain has been most prevalent in the higher terrains.

While the monsoon moisture may be a nuisance for those with outdoor plans in the Southwest, it will work to push out the heat dome that has been positioned over this corner of the country for much of the summer.

The heat dome will move to the north, resulting in significantly higher temperatures up through the Northwest and beyond.

Timing of Arrival of Heat in the Northwest

You can expect the mercury to begin to rise throughout the weekend in the Pacific Northwest. Forecasters are warning that both Seattle and Portland could experience a heat wave to start the week. A heat wave in this part of the U.S. is defined as three consecutive days with temperatures at or above 90 degrees.

It has been a relatively mild summer thus far for Seattle. The top temperature recorded this year for the Emerald City has been 91 degrees, happening several times during the month of July. A reading at this level would not likely break any daily records, however, it will still be well above the historical average of the upper 70s during the middle of August.

It will be even hotter about three hours to the south in Portland. Temperatures could hit the century mark in this city, ranging from 5 to 15 degrees above normal. An abundance of sunshine will help to make the real feel temperatures even warmer in both Seattle and Portland.

Daily records could fall farther south on the Interstate 95 corridor. For instance, the forecast high for Monday in Medford, Oregon could land at about 110 degrees. The record high for this city in the southern part of the state for the month of August is 112 degrees, dating back to August 2, 2017.

For Seattle in particular, this is a part of the U.S. that does not enjoy widespread air conditioning. This makes it extra important that residents and visitors take extra care when staying healthy during the heat wave. Drinking plenty of water, seeking out cool areas, and wearing sunscreen are all prudent practices.

Wildfire Risk to Increase with Building Heat

Unfortunately, the heat will also bring a higher chance of wildfires igniting and spreading through next week. The heat of the sun will work to further dry out the vegetation across the Northwest, making it easier for fires to start and to expand quickly.

In direct contrast to the record-breaking wildfire season happening this summer in Canada, it has been a slow start to the wildfire season for the U.S. As of late week, there have been just over 1,400,000 acres burned this year, equating to the lowest level of burn over the last decade at this date on the calendar.

In addition to the rising temperatures, the arrival of the monsoon storms will also increase the risk of wildfire danger. The frequent lightning strikes associated with this weather pattern naturally raises the threat of fires getting started. Areas of Northern California, Washington, Idaho, and Oregon will want to be on high alert in the coming weeks as the peak of the season approaches.

Did you find this content useful? Feel free to bookmark or to post to your timeline for reference later.

Recent Posts