Record heat possible in Portland this weekend as temps push 90 degrees
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Portland has yet to reach the 90s so far this year, but that's about to change.
As we enter the weekend, a surge of summer-like heat returns with the potential for near-record or even record-breaking temperatures across the Portland metro area.
The heat is being driven by a large, upper-level ridge of high pressure that's building over the Pacific Ocean this week.
As the ridge shifts and strengthens over the west coast this weekend, sunshine and warm temps will prevail with temps bumping near or into the 90s from Saturday to Monday.
The latest weather models now show the heat up beginning on Saturday with daytime highs climbing into the mid-80s to near 90°.
By Sunday, temperatures are expected to peak in the low to mid 90s, nearing Portland’s current record high of 94° set back in 1955.
While the afternoons will be toasty, overnight lows will offer some relief across the metro area.
Low temperatures are expected to dip into the 50s and lower 60s this weekend, reducing the threat of dangerous heat that lingers overnight.
The cooler temperatures after sunset will help to mitigate any heat stress across the metro area. Usually, the most dangerous heat waves tend to include warm overnight lows that offer little relief or recovery time, but that does not look to be the case this time.
Some forecast models hint at the cool-down beginning Monday with highs falling back into the mid-80s to near 90°. The ridge will gradually shift east and weaken by midweek, allowing temperatures to cool into the 70s and potentially 60s by late next week.
Rain chances remain absent under this dominant ridging pattern, but there are some signs that a few showers may return as cooler air settles in toward the end of next week.
Stay with the KOIN 6 Weather Team for forecast updates as we track our first round of 90° days in Portland this weekend.