Pacific Northwest bakes in historic heat wave, wildfire risks soar
Records were already broken on Friday
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Pacific Northwest is expected to sizzle Saturday as a dangerous heat wave brings triple-digit temperatures, shattering records for the region.
Oregon and Washington residents were already feeling the effects Friday, with normally temperate coastal areas reporting record highs and officials warning of extreme heat and impacts on everything from utilities to bridges.
WASHINGTON, OREGON IN FOR HISTORIC, DANGEROUS HEAT WAVE
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}At Washington's Port Angeles, the temperature reached 95 degrees Friday, a record high.
Bellingham Airport, which is closer to Vancouver, Canada than Seattle, hit 86 degrees, also the highest ever for the date.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Seattle said a weather balloon launched from Quillayute -- close to La Push, of the "Twilight" franchise fame – had reported a freezing level of 18,000 feet.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"In my 22 years at this office, I've never seen anything that high," the agency's Twitter manager said, writing earlier that evening that high temperatures were expected to be unprecedented.
While Seattle has only hit 100 degrees three times in recorded history, the agency says the city could top triple digits several times and possibly break the all-time mark of 103.
With fewer than half of Pacific Northwest residents having home air conditioning, the intense heat triggered the opening of "cooling centers" and health warnings.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A chalk drawing on the sidewalk in a residential neighborhood in Southeast Portland, Ore., Friday, June 25, 2021, represents a funny take on how hot the temperature is supposed to be during the weekend. The Pacific Northwest sweltered Friday as a historic heat wave hit Washington and Oregon, with temperatures in many areas expected to top out 25 to 30 degrees above normal in the coming days. (AP Photo/Sara Cline)
In Portland, the NWS said this weekend would potentially be "the hottest since records began in the late 19th century."
Oregon meteorologists said highs could soar to 108 degrees, an all-time high.
This weekend, many temperatures in the Pacific Northwest may reach up to 30 degrees above normal, forecasters said.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A family orders ice cream at a food truck on Friday, June, 25, 2021, in the Sellwood neighborhood of Portland, Ore. The Pacific Northwest sweltered Friday as a historic heat wave hit Washington and Oregon, with temperatures in many areas expected to top out 25 to 30 degrees above normal in the coming days. (AP Photo/Sara Cline)
In response, demand for portable air conditioners and fans has surged and cities have shut down outside COVID-19 vaccination sites and other events.
The threat of blistering heat comes as the West is experiencing a punishing and crippling drought amid an already worrying wildfire season.
Many western states have felt the heat over the last couple of weeks, also watching records break.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Northern California, which has felt the brunt of this oppressive heat, is also expected to be impacted this weekend, as well as western Nevada.
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The NWS has issued excessive heat warnings for nearly the entire Pacific Northwest, northern Great Basin and parts of California and Nevada.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The agency warned of the threat of heat-related health risks and elevated fire concerns, urging people to stay indoors, hydrate and check on vulnerable family, friends and neighbors.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.