Excessive Heat Forecast for Portland Area Through Friday in Sweltering Summer September

There is also a chance of thunderstorms in parts of eastern Lane and Linn counties on FridayPhoto byKAL VISUALSonUnsplash

The Portland area is facing unseasonably hot conditions through Friday as a strong upper ridge builds over the Pacific Northwest. Temperatures in the interior valleys are expected to reach around 100 degrees, with excessive heat warnings in effect for areas east of the Coast Range, including the Willamette and Cowlitz Valleys, as well as the Cascades.

In addition, dry offshore winds are raising fire weather concerns across the Cascades, the Columbia River Gorge, and parts of the Portland/Vancouver metro area. Slight cooling is expected over the weekend as a trough approaches from the Gulf of Alaska, bringing temperatures down into the 90s. There is also a chance of thunderstorms in parts of eastern Lane and Linn counties on Friday and Saturday. Cooler temperatures are expected next week, though the timing of rain remains uncertain.