Portland, Oregon, is bracing for a dangerous heatwave this week, with temperatures reaching nearly 100°F by Wednesday afternoon. The region will also experience thick haze and smoke from nearby wildfires, creating potentially hazardous conditions, especially for outdoor activities and air quality.
A Heat Advisory remains in effect until 10 p.m. Wednesday, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid travel during the hottest parts of the day.
Heat and Smoke Impacting Portland
Starting on Wednesday, July 16, Portland will see temperatures soaring to around 98°F, combined with widespread haze and smoke from regional wildfires. The air quality will worsen throughout the day, becoming especially dangerous after 2 p.m.
Winds will remain light, providing no relief from the hot, smoky air. Residents are urged to limit outdoor activities, particularly those involving physical exertion, and to avoid I-5 and I-205 during the afternoon, when the heat and haze will be at their worst.
As the night approaches, Wednesday night lows will only dip to the mid-60s, offering little relief. While Thursday, July 17, will bring sunny skies, the heat will continue, with temperatures reaching 89°F. The haze may persist, affecting air quality throughout the day.
A Brief Break in the Heat
Conditions will slightly improve on Friday, July 18, and Saturday, July 19, with temperatures in the upper 80s and plenty of sunshine. Although temperatures will be more manageable, the smoky haze could still affect air quality, so residents should remain cautious, particularly those with respiratory conditions.
The weekend will offer a welcome reprieve from the intense heat, with Sunday, July 20, and Monday, July 21, seeing cooler conditions. Highs will range from mid to upper 70s, and skies will be partly cloudy, providing a break from the extreme heat of the earlier part of the week.
Air Quality Warnings and Tips for Safety
With the combination of high temperatures and wildfire smoke, it is important for Portland residents to stay informed about air quality conditions. The Heat Advisory remains in effect through Wednesday evening, and more advisories may be issued if the smoke worsens.
During this period, it’s crucial to stay inside during the hottest parts of the day, use fans or air conditioning to stay cool, and monitor local alerts for air quality updates. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and those with respiratory conditions, should take extra precautions.
Portland 5-Day Forecast (July 16–21)
Wednesday, July 16: Hazy, High 98°F, Low 61°F
Thursday, July 17: Sunny, High 89°F, Low 61°F
Friday, July 18: Sunny, High 88°F, Low 59°F
Saturday, July 19: Mostly sunny, High 84°F, Low 58°F
Sunday, July 20: Partly cloudy, High 78°F, Low 58°F
Monday, July 21: Mostly sunny, High 82°F
Portland is in for a hot and smoky week, with temperatures pushing toward 100°F on Wednesday and poor air quality due to wildfire smoke. While conditions will improve slightly later in the week, the haze will likely persist, affecting outdoor activities and air quality.
Residents should take precautions to stay cool and safe, especially during the hottest hours of the day. Stay updated on local alerts for any changes to heat and air quality warnings.
