Pacific Northwest Up Next for Relentless Heat

Posted: July 23, 2022 9:08 am

While the rest of the country has been baking this summer, the Pacific Northwest has escaped any prolonged heat. However, that is all about to change as a heat dome sets over this corner of the U.S. in the coming days. Here is what you can expect out of this upcoming heat wave.

Moderate Temperatures Coming to an End in Pacific Northwest

Temperatures have been hanging out near average since the beginning of June in the Pacific Northwest with readings predictably in the 60s through the 80s. The bulk of the region has seen temperatures hovering within a few degrees of average over the last 50 days.

While the region saw a short burst of intense heat at the end of June, it did not stick around for long. And it certainly was not as sizzling as a record heat wave that gripped the Northwest during the same time last year when the mercury hit 120 degrees in south-central Washington with similar readings throughout Oregon.

It will be another seasonable day on Saturday before the heat starts to build later in the weekend. Unlike the East Coast and Southwest where daily record highs may be challenged, there are no records expected to fall in the Northwest. However, temperature readings will come in at about 10 – 15 degrees above average for the end of July starting on Sunday and lasting for several days. Forecasters are warning that the temperatures are expected to hit the highest of the season so far.

Who Can Expect to See This Heat?

While the average high in Medford, Oregon during the last week of July is in the mid-90s, the long-range forecast shows triple digit readings beginning Monday and continuing for seven days. Moving to the Interior West, Boise will also see multiple days with likely highs above the century mark.

Eastern Washington will also be under the gun for some sizzling heat. Spokane has typically seen much higher readings than the season-high of 93 degrees that it notched on June 27. The high on Wednesday is set to climb into the upper 90s with a reading above 100 degrees in the forecast for Thursday. This would be a departure of about 10 degrees higher than normal.

The all-time record for Seattle was set just last year when the mercury soared to 108 degrees. Portland’s all time-record was also set last June when the temperature reached a scorching 116 degrees. The good news for those who do not like the heat is that this upcoming heat wave is not expected to come close to approaching these levels.

For instance, Seattle is forecast to see highs landing between the mid-80s into the low 90s for much of next week. The hottest readings of the week will likely be on Tuesday and Wednesday. Seattle’s neighbor three hours to the south, Portland, will see highs well into the 90s for most of next week. The peak of the heat on Monday through Wednesday could see readings approach the triple digits.

Although this heat may not feel like anything to talk about for residents of the South, the Pacific Northwest does not enjoy the widespread air conditioning in private homes like other areas of the country. Officials estimate that less than half of homes in Seattle have air conditioning, making these bouts of heat challenging to deal with. This is particularly true for the most vulnerable populations.

Real Feel Temperatures Will Inch Even Higher

Along with the plentiful sunshine and humidity, the real feel temperatures are predicted to be slightly higher than the actual air temperatures. This means that it could feel closer to 100 degrees in places such as Seattle.

Experts are warning that residents of this region will be at a greater risk of heat-related illnesses. This risk is worsened by the fact that most residents are not acclimated to this level of heat. Be sure to drink plenty of water and avoid being outside during the peak afternoon heating hours if possible.

In addition to the warmth, a lack of precipitation will increase the risk for wildfires for the West Coast heading into the start of the official fire season. A lack of moisture will accelerate the drying out of brush and soil.

The sliver of good news for the Pacific Northwest is that precipitation totals were at or above normal for much of this region through the spring and early summer months. As a result, the Washington Department of Ecology canceled the drought declaration that was in place for central and eastern portions of the state.

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