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Small Heatwave Comes to Oregon Coast

Oceanside, seen from Sea Sweet Vacation Rentals (which has openings for those running from the heat)

(Oregon Coast) – While the inland valley begins getting hit by a heatwave that will bring the area into the 90’s and upper 80’s, the Oregon coast is bracing for one of its own. Monday is predicted to be around 90 – 95 degrees in Portland and other parts of northern Oregon, but the coastal region will get hit with temps in the lower 80’s, if not around 90 (depending on what weather report you’re paying attention to).

Coastal businesses are also bracing for a possible flood of people looking to get away from the heat, or those heading to the coast to enjoy a rare bit of tropical weather.

Today, it’s currently around 75 degrees with crystal clear skies on the northern part of the coast, and it’s predicted to reach near 83. East winds will be around 17 mph, with a few gusts perhaps bringing it up to 24 mph. On the central coast, however, it's much warmer, clocking in around 90.

Monday will likely see more 83-degree conditions on the north coast and 90 degrees on the central coast, along with those warm winds from the east that help things heat up some more. See here for weather reports

Manzanita

This entire heatwave has caused a red flag warning not just for the inland valley regions but for the coastal beaches and the coast range as well – something unusual for a warning that screams “fire danger.” Dry air and heat are the cause of that caveat..

It’s part of the coast’s “second summer” phenomenon, where September and early October are the warmest time of the year. The winds are at their calmest, the skies at their most blue, and the seas see the least swells as well.

Weiss' Paradise Suites, Seaside

Coastal business people say it’s a nice change from a summer of dreary skies – especially on the weekends.

“It feels warm here in Seaside today, but the wind is strong and that always helps,” said Donna Weiss on Saturday, of Weiss’ Paradise Suites. Her motel is well known for its extravagant garden of flowers that cover the railings of the suites.

“Figures I would get nice weather at this late date for my flowers, but I am not complaining. Nice weather is always welcome. It is gorgeous today. Glad it turned out sunny for the car show.”

So far, there hasn’t been any major movement towards a rush to the coast, say coastal lodging owners.

Trollers Lodge, Depoe Bay

“Not too many calls asking for Sunday and Monday,” Weiss said. “But if it gets hot inland, they will call. Weekdays here in Seaside during September are really great. It isn't usually crowded because the children are back in school.”

On the central coast, in Depoe Bay, Trollers Lodge owner Peg Leoni said she wouldn’t be surprised if something big happened in the way of heat refugees from the valley.

“We're half way to full Sunday and Monday,” Leoni said. “So far, this summer it has not been quite as warm here as the north coast. But just in case, all our rooms and suites have a bedroom ceiling fan, plus one in the living room in the one and two-bedroom suites.”

View of long sandy stretch, from Cape Lookout headland trail

At the San Dune Inn in Manzanita, Brian Hines is packed up for the weekend, but hasn’t yet noticed anything unusual for the coming heatwave. “Weekend is chocka full,” Hines said on Saturday. “No extraordinary reservation activity yet for Sunday, Monday or Tuesday. But next weekend is getting filled up with a wedding and the Mudd Nick golf tournament.

“Am still fielding calls and walk ins for rooms tonight.”

Many are counting on excellent second summer weather all the way through the next big holiday weekend, he said, and they’re booking early. “Columbus day weekend – October 8 - is attracting guests.”

Deserted beach south of Newport

At Sea Sweet Vacation Rentals in Oceanside, Sarah MacDonald said the coast is clear so far at many of her lush, beautiful rentals – for a while, actually. “We're available in smaller units the rest of the month,” she said.

Like all the lodgings on the Oregon coast talked to by BeachConnection.net, they’re hoping to get some heatwave refugees. Many - including Sea Sweet – are hosting specials.

“Our suites are pretty much filled for this week, but we still have availability in our vacation rentals, said Weiss. “So, if people want to escape the heat inland, we can accommodate them. We have some midweek specials going on through September.”

For those who can get away from their jobs during this extra warm week, the coast will be an exceptionally pleasant place to be. Because the kids are back in school, there will be smaller crowds and fewer cars on the road. Sunbathing (with loads of protection, of course) will be prime on long sandy stretches like Manzanita, Rockaway Beach, Lincoln City, Newport, Florence and Cannon Beach.

Extraordinary sunsets are also something you can count on in weather like this (pictured, Cape Foulweather on central coast)

Glowing sand was spotted on the beaches in recent evenings – a rather unusual phenomenon where if you’re walking at the tide line at night, on a very dark beach, you’ll see tiny, greenish flashes of light beneath your feet. These are caused by a certain type of phytoplankton that are bioluminescent, which appear more regularly in warmer months.

These dry conditions also mean extreme care while hiking in forested trails like those north of Florence or around Cape Lookout. While it also means no nasty mud to have to waddle through on these treks, smoking in these conditions is unadvisable.

Inn at Cannon Beach. Beautifully wooded natural setting at quiet south end of Cannon Beach. Great during winter storms with a new book by the fireplace – or when the sun is out for family fun and beach strolling. Handsome beach cottage-style architecture. Lush flowering gardens and naturalized courtyard pond. Warm, inviting guest rooms. Continental buffet breakfast. Warm Cookies. Family and Pet Friendly. Welcome gifts. Smoke-free. Complimentary Wireless Connectivity. Wine and book signing events. 800-321-6304 or 503-436-9085. Hemlock At Surfcrest, Cannon Beach, Oregon. www.atcannonbeach.com.

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