PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland's first heat wave, and hopefully the last of this intensity and duration, of summer is winding down. It started on the Fourth of July and is expected to last through at least Tuesday.
On Sunday, Portland finally hit the triple digits, hitting 100 degrees for the first time this year, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The agency said that since 1941, Portland has only averaged roughly one to two days 100 degrees or over annually. On Monday, the Rose City set a record high of 102 degrees, and 105 degrees in Salem.
KGW has issued a Weather Impact Alert Day for Tuesday, what's expected to be the hottest day of the week. Highs in Portland are forecasted to reach 104 degrees.
There's also an Air Quality Alert in effect for the Willamette Valley until 8 p.m. Tuesday for ozone pollution, or "smog" — the result of high heat and chemicals from things like cars and aerosols combining in stagnant air.
High temperatures are expected to be in the low 90s on Wednesday, and above-average temperatures will continue through the weekend — however, nighttime temperatures will moderate significantly.
When
Starting with the holiday on the Fourth of July, temperatures rose into the mid-90s. The National Weather Service issued an Excessive Heat Warning for portions of northwest and west central Oregon and southwest Washington that started at noon on Thursday and lasts until Tuesday at 10 p.m.
The forecast called for consecutive 100-degree days on Sunday and Monday, with one more triple-digit day on Tuesday. Here are the current and previously set records for high temperatures on those dates:
- July 7: 100 degrees (2024), broke old record of 95 degrees (2010)
- July 8: 102 degrees (2024, broke old record of 98 degrees (1952)
- July 9: 96 degrees (1985)
Impact
The weather impact of high temperatures potentially reaching and exceeding 100 degrees will increase the possibility of heat stroke, fatigue and dehydration.
Need
If you have outdoor plans for the holiday weekend, make sure you're planning to pack extra water and stay hydrated. Keep updated with daily forecasts as KGW meteorologists track the risk factor.
What are Weather Impact Alert days?
It’s our goal to make sure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information about the weather and its impact on you. The new KGW Weather Impact Alerts will be just that, alerts as far in advance as possible, so that you can be armed with accurate information to keep yourself and your family safe.
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