Record Heat Northwest: Temps Hit a Scorching 111 Degrees in Some Cities

A record-breaking heat wave hit the Pacific Northwest over the weekend and baked the U.S. in sweltering temperatures rising above 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the first full week of summer.

Medford, Oregon, reached 104 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas Roseburg peaked at 101 degrees on Saturday, according to CNN. The highest contenders were in Washington state, though, where Pasco hit 111 degrees, Walla Walla reached 109 degrees, and Yakima peaked at 108 degrees.

Portland, Oregon, also broke its 2003 record of the most consecutive June days with temperatures above 90 degrees with seven, according to CNN. The scorching heatwave is expected to continue with temperatures reaching 20 degrees higher than the average Northwest numbers.

AccuWeather advised Northwest residents to prepare for spotty storms and dry lightning as accompaniments to the heat wave sweeping their region that is expected to remain well into early July. AccuWeather also recommended that everyone should avoid strenuous activities and drink plenty of water while avoiding direct sunlight and wearing light-colored, light-weight clothing. It is also recommended that parents remain conscientious of the heat by not leaving their children or pets in parked cars, where internal heat can rise to 150 degrees Fahrenheit after 10 minutes.

This unusual weather, combined with low humidity and drought-like conditions, also poses wildfire threats for the West, according to AccuWeather.

“Prior to the middle of July, a series of storms from the Pacific will attempt to chop down the heat in the Northwest,” Paul Pastelok, AccuWeather chief long range meteorologist, said. “The pattern shift could cause extreme heat in the Southwest, prior to another surge of moisture and a ramp up of the monsoon in the region.”

The heat wave is forecast to build over the West and push north into Canada while forcing wet, cool air south into the eastern U.S., according to The Washington Post. Further complicating this heat wave is the drought that is currently engulfing Oregon and Washington, as well, which contributes to the threat of wildfires scourging the region.

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