Temperatures to Soar on West Coast as High Pressure Builds

Posted: October 6, 2023 9:00 am

It has been a tale of two weather patterns for much of the West over the last several days. After dealing with the first blast of winter last week, some parts of the West Coast will see record high temperatures this weekend. Who will see the unseasonable warmth and how long can you expect it to last? Read on for the details.

Temperatures Inching Upward on West Coast

The weather pattern is undergoing a dramatic shift out West this week, bringing temperatures that will feel more like late summer than the middle of fall. This pattern change will feel even more noticeable after some parts of the Rockies and Cascades recorded the first snowfall of the season last week.

The shift in the conditions will begin as the jet stream creeps to the north by the end of the week. A large area of high pressure will set up below this bulge, bringing in warmer air to all of the Pacific Northwest, the Rocky Mountain region, and down into California and Arizona.

The mercury started an upward climb on Wednesday with this trajectory expected to continue through the weekend. Temperatures are forecast to hover well over the historical average for the beginning of October with the possibility of some record highs falling. Major metropolitan areas such as Seattle and Portland could see new records this weekend.

For instance, the high temperature on Saturday in Portland is forecast to hit 80 degrees, likely falling just a few degrees short of the previous record high for this date of 83 degrees. The Rose City saw highs struggle to get out of the low 60s earlier in the week, meaning that this forecast will feel like quite the difference to those that thought summer was in the rearview mirror.

Temperatures are anticipated to hover in the mid 70s in Seattle by the beginning of the weekend. The record for October 7 in the Emerald City is 77 degrees, set last year.

Overnight temperatures readings will also be mild when compared to the historical average for the first weekend in October. A handful of communities in Washington, Oregon, and California may see record-high overnight lows by the end of the week.

The coastal areas will see the peak of the heat on Thursday while it will be Saturday before the warmest readings hit the interior portion of the West. Temperatures will remain warm on Sunday, making it a great weekend to hit the pumpkin patch or participate in other fall activities.

Wildfire Risk Elevated

The West Coast has enjoyed a relatively mild wildfire season, particularly when compared to the last few years. However, forecasters are warning that the warm weather this weekend paired with a boost in wind speeds could increase the wildfire risk.

According to the latest report from the National Interagency Fire Center, there are 11 active blazes burning in Oregon and two in Washington. The bulk of the fires burning on the West Coast are located in Northern California. Yosemite National Park and Sequoia National Park are also each dealing with one active wildfire.

The Los Angeles area saw its first Santa Ana wind event of the season on Wednesday. These winds are forecast to whip up every morning in this part of Southern California through the weekend. The winds were so prevalent on Wednesday that wind advisers were in effect for Los Angeles.

Cooler Temperatures and Moisture on the Way to Start New Week

Cooler air will make a return to the region as the weekend wraps up. The ridge of high pressure is predicted to begin breaking up at this time, bringing cooler air down from Canada. You can expect temperatures to return to near normal levels by the beginning of the week.

For example, after enjoying temperatures in the 70s over the weekend, the high on Monday in Seattle will top out at about 60 degrees. Portland will tumble from a forecast high of 84 degrees on Saturday to 78 degrees on Sunday and 62 degrees on Monday.

There will also be the chance of an influx of moisture late Sunday and into Monday thanks to the arrival of a cold front to the Pacific Northwest. While the moisture will remain in this corner of the country to start the week, the weather pattern is expected to make its way to the northern Rocky Mountains packing the chance of snow by the middle of the week.

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