PORTLAND, Ore. — June is off to a wet start, but Wednesday will kick off a stretch of dry weather and possibly multiple days of 90-degree heat.
Portland saw 0.69 inches of rain on Sunday, June 2. That was enough to set a new rainfall record, KGW meteorologist Rod Hill said. The previous record was 0.67 inches on June 2, 2010. While the rainy weather may be putting a damper on things for people hoping for summer-like weather, Hill said the rain is beneficial as summers get hotter and create drier conditions that elevate fire season risk.
"It puts more pressure on our spring months to have decent rainfall and some cool temperatures to suppress or hold off and shorten fire season," Hill said.
Steady rain has ended and showers will continue Monday night and Tuesday. Portland could see an additional 0.25 inches over the next 36 hours or so, according to Hill.
"I’ll be surprised if we pick up any more than a quarter of an inch total today (Monday), tonight, and tomorrow (Tuesday)," Hill said.
Wind Advisory in the Gorge
A Wind Advisory is in effect until 11 p.m. on Monday for parts of the Columbia River Gorge including The Dalles and Pendleton.
"West winds 25 to 35 mph, which we’re already seeing this morning but later today there could be some gusts to 55 and that’s why the advisory’s in play," Hill said.
Possible 90-degree stretch
In Portland, Wednesday starts a stretch of dry weather, followed by potentially several days of 90-degree temperatures. Highs on Wednesday are expected to reach near 80 degrees, with 85 degrees on Thursday.
"The weather models disagree on whether or not we’re going to be 90 or better this weekend and into next week," Hill said. "For right now, I’m kind of riding the fence… I believe the most likely scenario is in fact 90-degree temps on Friday, Saturday and Sunday."
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