Portland, Ore. – Sunshine is breaking through the morning clouds, but a much bigger weather story is already taking shape. A significant heat surge is poised to push Portland close to 100 degrees early this week, prompting an Extreme Heat Watch across much of northwest Oregon and southwest Washington.
According to the National Weather Service in Portland, an Extreme Heat Watch remains in effect from Monday morning through Tuesday evening. High temperatures are expected to reach 97 degrees Monday and 99 degrees Tuesday across the Portland metro area, including communities along the Interstate 5 corridor and western Columbia River Gorge.
The heat will not be limited to daylight hours. Overnight temperatures Monday night may only fall into the middle 60s, especially across urban areas. That lack of cooling increases the risk of heat-related illnesses and adds stress for households without air conditioning.
Across Oregon, temperatures are running well above seasonal averages as strong high pressure builds over the Pacific Northwest. While severe storms, flash flooding, large hail, and isolated tornadoes threaten portions of the Plains and Midwest, the primary concern locally is prolonged heat.
Travel conditions along I-5, I-84, Highway 26, and Highway 217 should remain favorable, but motorists should prepare for intense afternoon heat. Vehicle interiors can become dangerous within minutes. Keep water available and avoid leaving children or pets inside parked cars.
Meteorologists now expect the hottest conditions Tuesday afternoon before a gradual cooling trend begins later in the week. Even so, Wednesday still reaches the lower 90s before temperatures settle back into the 80s.
Residents should hydrate frequently, limit strenuous outdoor activity during peak heating, and check on vulnerable neighbors.
Five Day Forecast for Portland, Oregon
- Sunday: Sunny, high 86°F, low 59°F
- Monday: Sunny, high 97°F, low 65°F
- Tuesday: Sunny, high 99°F, low 63°F
- Wednesday: Sunny, high 93°F, low 59°F
- Thursday: Sunny, high 86°F, low 56°F
