The Portland area is bracing for a spell of extreme temperatures and fire hazards, as the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued both an Excessive Heat Warning and a Red Flag Warning. According to a weather update from the NWS, today's high is expected to soar to a scorching 101 degrees, with widespread haze and areas of smoke appearing later in the afternoon. The Excessive Heat Warning is set to remain in effect from noon today until 10 PM PDT Friday, indicating hot conditions with temperatures around 100 expected.

Tonight's forecast does not promise much relief, with low temperatures hovering around 68 degrees. Vulnerable populations are at increased risk during such extreme heat events. Health officials remind the public to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sunshine, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Residents are advised to take care not to leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles, as car interiors can reach lethal temperatures within minutes, as detailed by NWS.

Adding to the region's woes, the NWS has also issued a Red Flag Warning effective from 9 AM to 7 PM PDT on Thursday for wind and low relative humidity for areas including the Northern and Central Willamette Valley as well as the Clark County Lowlands in Washington. The warning indicates that conditions may be favorable for rapid fire spread which may threaten life and property, urging residents to exercise caution with potential ignition sources, particularly in grassy areas.

The combination of high temperatures, low humidity, and gusty winds is expected to contribute to extreme fire behavior. Outdoor burning is heavily discouraged under these conditions. Specific areas of concern are near the Portland-Metro area entrance to the Columbia River Gorge and from Oregon City northward east of I-5.