PORTLAND, Ore. (WOWO): Millions of people across the Pacific Northwest are preparing for the region’s first significant heat wave of the year, with temperatures expected to climb into the triple digits and challenge record highs through early next week.
Forecasters say a strong ridge of high pressure is building over the western United States, creating summer-like conditions across parts of Oregon, Washington and Northern California. The weather pattern is expected to push temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above normal for mid-June.
Some inland communities could see temperatures reach or exceed 100 degrees by Monday, making it one of the hottest stretches of weather so far this year.
The National Weather Service has issued Extreme Heat Warnings for portions of the region, including the Portland and Vancouver metropolitan areas, through Tuesday evening.
Meteorologists say the combination of strong sunshine, dry conditions and offshore winds will allow temperatures to rise rapidly over the weekend and into the start of the workweek. Several locations could challenge or break daily temperature records on both Sunday and Monday.
The heat is expected to linger overnight as well, providing limited relief for residents. Low temperatures are forecast to remain in the 60s in many areas, while some urban locations may stay near 70 degrees through the night.
Health officials are urging residents to stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day and check on elderly neighbors, young children and others who may be vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
The heat wave arrives just days before the official start of summer and stands in contrast to conditions in parts of the eastern United States, where cooler temperatures have recently moved into the region.
Forecasters expect relief to arrive by the middle of next week as cooler marine air moves inland from the Pacific Ocean. That shift should bring temperatures back closer to seasonal averages and end what could become a record-setting stretch of heat for portions of the Northwest.
