Unprecedented heat wave builds, records fall

PORTLAND, ORE. >> Intense. Prolonged. Record-breaking. Unprecedented. Abnormal. Dangerous.

That’s how the National Weather Service described the historic heat wave that is hitting the Pacific Northwest, pushing daytime temperatures into the triple digits and breaking all-time high temperature records in places where many residents don’t have air conditioning.

Sunday’s forecasted temperature in Portland, Oregon — 112 degrees Fahrenheit — would break the all-time temperature record of 108 degrees, set just a day earlier. The forecast calls for another 112-degree day today.

The temperature was expected to rise to an all-time record of 104 F at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Sunday and surpass that to reach a blistering 111 F on Monday, as the excessive heat warning continues for the region.

King County closed several COVID-19 testing sites because of the heat. Seattle opened additional public library branches Sunday, and will again today, to provide additional cooling centers, The Seattle Times reported.

Seattle’s light rail trains may have to operate at reduced speeds because of excessive heat on the tracks, causing delays that could continue into the work week, Sound Transit said Sunday.

The heat wave also moved into Idaho, where temperatures above 100 F are forecast in Boise for at least seven days starting today. Ontario, Oregon — a city near the Idaho border — could see at least a week of triple-digit temperatures, including a high of 109 F on Wednesday, forecasters said.

Cities were reminding residents where pools, splash pads and cooling centers were available and urging people to stay hydrated, check on their neighbors and avoid strenuous activities.

The high temperatures were forecast to move into western Montana beginning today.