Washington and Oregon are about to experience their warmest stretch of weather so far this year, with a sharp heat wave building from this weekend into the start of next week. Highs across much of the region will climb into the 80s and 90s, and parts of interior Oregon could approach the 100-degree mark at the peak of the warm-up.
The jump will be sudden. After a spring that has largely tracked close to historical averages, temperatures are expected to surge 15 to 25 degrees above normal, with the sharpest rise occurring between Friday and Saturday, when highs could climb 10 to 20 degrees in a single day. The hottest conditions will likely settle in on either Sunday or Monday, though both days are expected to be similarly intense.
Seattle is forecast to flirt with the 90-degree mark on Sunday and Monday. Adding to the concern, a World Cup match between Belgium and Egypt is scheduled at Seattle’s stadium during the warmest part of Monday afternoon. With humidity and sunshine factored in, “feels-like” temperatures could approach 100 degrees, prompting warnings for fans and players to stay hydrated. Some temperature records dating back to the 1960s could be broken by Monday.
The sudden heat poses particular risk because many homes in the region still lack air conditioning compared to national norms, especially in Washington. Health officials are urging residents without cooling systems to avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours, stay hydrated, and take frequent breaks from direct sun.
Authorities are also warning against cooling off in local rivers and lakes, which remain dangerously cold despite the warm air, posing a risk of muscle cramping and cold-water shock for swimmers.
Heat remains one of the deadliest weather hazards nationwide, contributing to more fatalities annually than floods, tornadoes, hurricanes or lightning combined, according to federal data.
Relief is expected by Tuesday, when temperatures should ease back toward the 60s along the coast, though areas east of the Cascades may still see highs near 90.
