Prepare for a heat wave, Oregon.
Starting Monday and lasting possibly into Friday, much of the Pacific Northwest will be hotter than "Despacito" by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee. While that song sits atop the Billboard Hot 100, Portland will be hot in the 100s.
The National Weather Service says temperatures in the Portland area this coming week are likely headed for the record books.
Children play in the splash zone at Director Park in downtown Portland.
Bradley W. Parks / OPB
Portland will likely be in the upper 90s Monday, then hitting triple digits Tuesday through Thursday. NWS meteorologist Will Ahue said some weather models have the city approaching 110 degrees Fahrenheit mid-week. Portland’s all-time record high is 107.
Nights should remain relatively cool in the city with temperatures in the 60s, possibly into the low 70s.
The rest of the Northwest faces a similar plight of above-average temperatures. Eastern Oregon will likely see triple-digits while even the coast could see temperatures well into the 80s. All of the Willamette Valley can expect to feel the heat. Medford may reach 115 degrees.
“Drink plenty of water. Try to limit alcohol consumption,” Ahue said. “Definitely wear sunscreen and stay in shaded areas.”
The NWS also advises people find places with air-conditioning to spend the hottest times of day. Regularly check on those most sensitive to heat, like the elderly and children. Do not leave people and animals in hot cars.
A dry summer mixed with this week’s high heat also increases fire risk.
The heat wave comes as thousands descend on Happy Valley, Oregon, for the Pickathon music festival Aug. 3-6. The NWS advises campers and festivalgoers to be wary of the heat.
Multnomah County maintains an interactive map of cooling centers, swimming pools and libraries for those seeking relief from the heat.
Here are Portland’s daily temperature records that could fall this week:
- Aug. 1: 102 (1965)
- Aug. 2: 98 (2015)
- Aug. 3: 96 (1986)
- Aug. 4: 89 (1992)
- Aug. 5: 102 (2012)
