Heat wave Friday through Monday could break June records
2 min read
Expect a record-setting heat wave this weekend. Don't leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle, even for a short time.
The National Weather Service in Portland issued an urgent weather message on June 23, warning that an Excessive Heat Watch is now in effect from Friday afternoon through Monday evening, June 25-28, 2021.
Strong high pressure over the Pacific Northwest will bring a stretch of unseasonably hot weather to much of southwest Washington and northwest Oregon beginning Friday and lasting through at least next Monday. High temperatures will run 20 to 30 degrees above normal for late June at many locations, putting numerous daily records and perhaps a few monthly high temperature records in jeopardy. Overnight lows will also be unseasonably warm, limiting the amount of relief from the heat and contributing to increased risk of heat related illnesses. The heat is expected to peak this weekend, with conditions remaining hot into Monday and then gradually trending downward towards the middle of next week.
- WHAT: Dangerously hot temperatures of 98 to 103 likely, with temperatures locally 103 to 108 are possible. Overnight low temperatures mostly 65 to 70 degrees, but few spots such as the Columbia River Gorge and the Portland-Vancouver metro area may only cool down to around 75 deg Saturday and Sunday nights.
- WHERE: Portions of Southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon, including the Willamette Valley, the Lower Columbia River Valley, and the Columbia River Gorge.
- WHEN: From Friday afternoon through Monday evening, with the warmest day being Sunday.
- IMPACTS: Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.
- ADDITIONAL DETAILS: The high daytime temperatures, combined with warm overnight lows, will result in high heat risk and heat related stress. Daily high temperature records will likely be broken. There is a chance to break the all time June high temperature records for a few locations.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS:
Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates on this situation. Be prepared to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.
