As the city of Portland braces itself for sweltering summer temperatures, local meteorologists anticipate that the upcoming weekend could bring record-breaking heat. According to KOIN, the Portland area is expected to see mid to high 80s on Friday as it enters one of the hottest periods of the year. Residents are urged to recognize the signs of heat-related illnesses and seek air-conditioned spaces and shade when possible.
A Heat Advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service in Portland, starting 10 a.m. Sunday, until 10 p.m. Monday, covering the Willamette Valley, southwest Washington, the Columbia River Gorge, and the Cascade Foothills, reported by KATU. "96 is what I’m forecasting for the high. It would set a new daily high record," said Storm Tracker 2 Meteorologist Rhonda Shelby in a statement obtained by KATU. Current forecasts show that the heat wave could push temperatures to soar into the upper 90s on Sunday.
In light of the climbing mercury, those planning to attend the final days of the Portland Rose Festival and the Grand Floral Parade are advised to wear sunscreen and prepare for dry and sunny conditions. KGW has issued a Weather Impact Alert for Saturday through Monday, forecasting the metro area's first 90-degree days of the year with Saturday possibly reaching a high of 89 degrees.
While Portland is no stranger to high temperatures, the predicted heat wave is significantly above the average high for this time of year, which is around 72 degrees. In historical context, the American Meteorological Society notes that a heatwave is "a spell of three or more days on each of which the maximum shade temperature reaches or exceeds 90F," as first defined by A. T. Burrows in 1900 and highlighted by KATU.
