Week-long Heat Wave

Week-long heat wave to bake western US

By Faith Eherts, AccuWeather meteorologist

Another major heat wave is in store for the western United States this week, leading up to perhaps the year's highest temperatures this coming weekend.

Several heat waves have already impacted areas west of the Rockies this month, especially in the Pacific Northwest. In Redding, California, temperatures reached 103 degrees Fahrenheit on June 12, despite an average high temperature of only 89 F.


More recently, temperatures in Portland, Oregon, peaked at 92 F on Sunday —18 degrees above average, and the warmest day so far in 2018.

After several anticipated days of near-100-degree temperatures this week, residents of Redding and the rest of Northern California and inland Oregon could experience temperatures near 105 F this coming weekend.



While record-breaking heat is not expected, most residents of the Desert Southwest and northwestern U.S. can expect the warmest weather of the year to arrive late this week.

"The official high temperature in Las Vegas has yet to reach 110 degrees or higher, but temperatures there can reach or exceed 110 degrees Thursday through Saturday," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Mike Doll.

With much of the affected area already experiencing abnormally dry to extreme drought conditions, this prolonged period of dry heat will only exacerbate the already high fire threat. Luckily for firefighters, no strong wind events are expected this week.

The abundance of hot, calm weather conditions will also promote increasingly poor air quality, particularly in densely populated areas. Anyone with respiratory or cardiac health concerns should avoid exerting themselves outdoors.

Unseasonable warmth poses many health hazards as it may catch some off guard who are used to traveling, exercising and living in less extreme heat conditions. It will be important for anyone headed outdoors for a run, hike or climb to properly protect themselves from the sun and spend as much time in the shade as possible.

"The best time to complete any strenuous outdoor activity is the morning; if you plan on spending a prolonged period outside, it is vital to drink plenty of water to keep hydrated," Doll said.

Anyone hoping to take a refreshing dip in area lakes or rivers will need to be wary of cold water shock. Many waterways are still as cold as 55 F, which means spending time submerged in this water could have dangerous health consequences.

Cooler weather will prevail along the immediate coastline. While Portland, Oregon, is expected to reach into the 90s F on Wednesday, temperatures in the nearby coastal town of Tillamook will peak in the upper 70s F.