First Pacific Northwest heat wave of summer could break daily records, highs near 100

PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Several daily record highs could be broken as the first heat wave of the summer arrives in the Pacific Northwest.

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The heat will begin building Saturday, when afternoon highs are expected to top out in the lower 90s.

“We will be looking at the hottest weather of the year so far,” said Storm Tracker 2 Digital Meteorologist Bobby Corser. “The first long stretch of summer weather is right on cue following the Rose Festival low.”

On Sunday, high temperatures will climb into the upper 90s. Some locations could see triple-digit temperatures.

Triple-digit temperatures are more likely Monday as offshore flow reaches its peak intensity.

On Tuesday, onshore flow will return, but high temperatures will still reach the 90s.

Wednesday will be the first day of significant relief from the heat. High temperatures are expected to reach only the lower 80s.

The National Weather Service in Portland has issued an Extreme Heat Watch for the Portland metro area and Columbia River Gorge. The watch extends south to the central Willamette Valley and north along the Columbia River.

“Do not leave young children or pets in unattended vehicles,” NWS Portland said in its watch message. “Car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.”

People will head to local waterways to escape the heat. Current water temperatures remain cold, and the risk of cold-water shock remains extremely high.

Anyone planning to spend time in local rivers or lakes is encouraged to swim where others are present and able to assist if needed.

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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Northwest Division reports that the Willamette River in Portland is currently 65 degrees.

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Several other rivers and lakes across the region have water temperatures in the 50s.