As June comes to a close, the Pacific Northwest is preparing for a warming trend this weekend, with temperatures expected to peak around 90°F on Monday.
This period marks the typical slow season for meteorologists in the region, and interesting weather events have been few.
The most notable occurrences this month included significant rainfall last Friday and Saturday in Portland, along with some mountain snow during the same time.
Additionally, the area experienced a couple of days of mid-90s heat, which has added variety to an otherwise typical June.
Looking ahead, the weather forecast suggests another uneventful week with no significant changes.
The observed warming over the weekend will be followed by a cooldown leading into the 4th of July next Friday.
Rain is not anticipated in the coming week, except for possibly some drizzle stemming from a marine layer next Thursday.
This June has been characterized by warm and cool days, contributing to an overall dry pattern—saving the few rainy days for a time when they were most needed.
Most areas in the Pacific Northwest have experienced below-average precipitation over the past 30 days, further reinforcing the summer dry season that is now upon us.
On Monday, 850mb temperatures are projected to hover just above 20 degrees, and without notable offshore flow, peak temperatures will likely be in the lower 90s.
However, a shift to increasing offshore flow and a cooling upper-level airmass is expected to lower temperatures midweek.
Data from the 7-14 day Euro ensemble 500mb height forecast indicates no significant troughing in the near future.
Instead, slightly above-normal heights are forecast beyond the 4th of July, with minimal chances for measurable rain, emphasizing the arrival of the summer dry season.
Reflecting on past weather events, it is impossible to forget the devastating heat wave that struck in June 2021.
Four years ago, Portland recorded an astonishing 112°F, a precursor to even higher temperatures of 116°F the following day.
This historic heatwave resulted in dozens of fatalities, predominantly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly living alone.
An extraordinary weather pattern—a blisteringly hot upper-level high pressure centered over southern British Columbia—led to the extreme temperatures, causing widespread record-breaking heat throughout western Oregon.
While eastern Oregon also felt the heat, the most intense anomalies were experienced west of the Cascades.
In fact, all-time record high temperatures were recorded at various inland weather stations in Oregon, including locations that matched the state’s long-standing record of 119°F set in 1898.
In Portland, the temperatures not only peaked on that Monday the 28th but also recorded the warmest nightly low at 76°F.
However, this heatwave was remarkable not just for its intensity but for its brevity; dramatic shifts in temperature ensued, with certain areas seeing a drop of 30-45°F within just a few hours as marine air invaded the region.
By midnight on that fateful day, Portland’s temperature had plummeted to 75°F, marking a striking end to the sweltering day.
This unprecedented heatwave has left an indelible mark on regional history, demonstrating the intense and unpredictable nature of Portland’s weather.
As we head into the weekend, residents are reminded to enjoy the warmer temperatures while reflecting on the unique challenges posed by the summer climate in the Pacific Northwest.
image source from：kptv
