PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Summer heat nears its peak as this latest round of dangerous weather comes to a close around the Pacific Northwest.
Afternoon highs are expected to warm to the highest temperatures seen so far with this heat dome. The excessive heat has already proven to be deadly, and now Portland prepares for highs to warm close to 105 Tuesday afternoon.
New records are likely on Tuesday as temperatures warm nearly 10 degrees warmer than the current record of 96 degrees last set in 1985. The threat of dangerous heat continues, but record-breaking highs aren't likely on Wednesday. Temperatures will slowly cool to the mid-90s by the middle of the week.
The heat will combine with poor air quality along the Willamette Valley on Tuesday. An air quality advisory is in place through Tuesday evening. Poor air quality could make breathing difficult for those who are sensitive. That combined with dangerous heat could prove to be harmful to some vulnerable groups.
The threat of wildfires remains elevated for central Oregon. The increase in fires starting to spread is due to the lack of rain, hot temperatures and gusty conditions. Low relative humidity values will keep that threat through the middle of the week.
Summer heat isn't expected to fade this week. Afternoon highs will cool slightly, but will continue to sit nearly 10-15 degrees above normal.
Temperatures will likely remain in the upper 80s to low 90s through the end of the week and into the weekend. If the 90s continue over the next week, Portland could break a record for the most consecutive at or above 90-degree days seen in Portland. The current record is 10 days, but forecast temperatures put Portland at 11 days at or above 90 degrees.
Stay with the KOIN 6 Weather Team as the dangerous heat remains over the Pacific Northwest this week.
