Excessive Heat and Fire Watch for Oregon, Portland, Coast Range

Published 06/25/2015 at 5:34 AM PDT
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff

(Portland, Oregon) – The National Weather Service (NWS) in Portland has issued an excessive heat watch for Portland, the I-5 corridor, southern Washington and much of the inland state, including the Oregon coast range mountains. The watch goes into effect from Friday afternoon through late Saturday night, with temps expected to top 100 degrees. Many parts of the region are also under a fire watch.

The excessive heat watch includes the Portland metro area, the Columbia Gorge, the Cascades of Lane County and the southern Washington Cascades, along with the Oregon coast range. It covers towns such as Eugene, Salem, Oregon City, Veneta, Vernonia, Albany, Sandy, Oakridge, Longview, McMinnville and Estacada, among numerous others.

The NWS said low elevation temperatures will reach 90 to 100 on Friday, but will definitely hit the 100 mark on Saturday. Passes in the Cascades may be slightly cooler, in the 90-degree range.

The only cool area will be on the Oregon coast, especially on the weekend. (See here for Oregon coast lodgings). That area will remain in the 60's throughout the week.

It's an abnormally early heat wave, the NWS said, especially one of this magnitude. Worse yet, high humidity will add to the misery, and conditions will not get very cool after dark.

“It will take a while to cool off much overnight, with valley lows generally from 60 to 70,” the NWS said.

Monday through Wednesday look to cool down just slightly, with temps in the lower 90's and lows in the lower 60's at night. This heatwave may last all the way through to July 4.

The excessive heat watch means the NWS is issuing some health warnings and advice. The agency urges you to avoid exertion during the heat of the day and stay hydrated with clear liquids.

“Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside,” the NWS said. “When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.”

It's also suggested to wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. If you work outdoors, officials say to schedule frequent breaks in shaded or air conditioned areas.

To help stay cool while still conserving electricity, the NWS said to keep blinds or shades closed during the day. Wait until things cool down later at night to run appliances like dishwashers or dryers. Instead of using the stove, use a microwave or outdoor grill for cooking.

For those that have air conditioning, turn it up a few degrees when you are not at home.

Meanwhile, a fire weather watch is in effect from Friday morning through Sunday, as the NWS said these are dry, unstable conditions that include dry fuels and the possibilities of thunderstorms. Affected forest areas include the Willamette Valley, the Oregon coast range, Mount Hood National Forest west of the Cascade Crest and Willamette National Forest.

More Oregon coast weather here. See more general Oregon weather here.

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