Increased fire risk accompanies record-challenging warmth in Northwest
By
Jessica Storm, AccuWeather Meteorologist
Updated Apr 18, 2021 1:37 PM EDT
After a four-month hiatus, shooting stars will return with the peak of the Lyrid meteor shower on April 21-22 as the world celebrates Earth Day.
As unseasonable warmth continues to build across the Pacific Northwest on Sunday, the risk of wildfire growth or development will increase, AccuWeather forecasters say.
As a nor'easter pummeled the Northeast and cold weather locked in on the Plains over the past few days, the Northwest, by contrast, featured quickly rising temperatures. In fact, most cities across the Pacific Northwest have had high temperatures above average all week.
“Temperatures have been on the rise throughout the week in the Pacific Northwest, and that trend is expected to continue on Sunday," said AccuWeather Meteorologist Ryan Adamson. "Temperatures are likely to be high enough to challenge records."
Seattle is expected to have highs around 80 degrees Fahrenheit on Sunday. While Sunday’s record of 89 degrees is not expected to be reached, Saturday’s record of 80 degrees was tied. Typically, the Emerald City has temperatures reaching only the upper 50s in mid-April.
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Portland, Oregon, recorded a high of 76 on Thursday, which is 15 degrees Fahrenheit above the average of 61 F. This was only the beginning of Portland's impressive temperatures. It beat Friday's 1999 record of 78 by one degree, which is 16 degrees above average for this time of year, and set a new record on Saturday as well with a temperature of 84 F.
Temperatures on Sunday are expected to reach the 80s in several other cities as well. Medford, Oregon, is even forecast to reach 90 F.
While this warmup seems generally harmless, it can carry subtler risks with it. One danger expected this weekend is an elevated wildfire risk. Vegetation is at record dryness for this time of year, according to the Portland National Weather Service office. Cowlitz County of Washington issued an emergency burn ban on Friday, rescinded all burn permits and outlined the appropriate ways to have a bonfire during this time.
"Some areas have not had decent rain in a month near the coast," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski.
Red flag warnings covered much of northwestern Oregon on Friday, including Portland. Due to the key combination of low relative humidity and gusty winds, any fires can spread quickly and easily across this area.
This image shows special weather statements (beige) and red flag warnings (red) in effect on Friday morning, April 16, 2021, across western Oregon and southwestern Washington. (AccuWeather)
The second danger of the weekend in the Northwest is even more subtle: water temperatures. Such warm weather can trick residents into believing it's summer, and many are itching to participate in water activities.
Unfortunately, water does not heat as quickly as air does over land, so the water temperatures are not quite caught up. With many lakes and rivers fed by snowmelt from the mountains, water can still be dangerously cold, causing cold water shock to swimmers and overturned kayakers. The Snohomish County Sheriff's Office warned residents that this can be deadly.
However, that doesn't mean the water can't still be enjoyed this weekend. Residents will just need to use caution and follow safety measures, such as wading slowly into the water to become adjusted to the temperatures and wearing a life jacket.
For those who are heat averse across the Northwest waiting for relief, temperatures are likely to stay above normal through the middle of the week. Less extreme temperatures are forecast to return to normal by the end of this week.
"There will be a cooling trend this week as the wind flow turns more westerly, pulling cooler Pacific air into the region," said AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok.
Keep checking back on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier, Spectrum, FuboTV, Philo, and Verizon Fios.
Report a Typo
News / Weather Forecasts
Increased fire risk accompanies record-challenging warmth in Northwest
By Jessica Storm, AccuWeather Meteorologist
Updated Apr 18, 2021 1:37 PM EDT
After a four-month hiatus, shooting stars will return with the peak of the Lyrid meteor shower on April 21-22 as the world celebrates Earth Day.
As unseasonable warmth continues to build across the Pacific Northwest on Sunday, the risk of wildfire growth or development will increase, AccuWeather forecasters say.
As a nor'easter pummeled the Northeast and cold weather locked in on the Plains over the past few days, the Northwest, by contrast, featured quickly rising temperatures. In fact, most cities across the Pacific Northwest have had high temperatures above average all week.
“Temperatures have been on the rise throughout the week in the Pacific Northwest, and that trend is expected to continue on Sunday," said AccuWeather Meteorologist Ryan Adamson. "Temperatures are likely to be high enough to challenge records."
Seattle is expected to have highs around 80 degrees Fahrenheit on Sunday. While Sunday’s record of 89 degrees is not expected to be reached, Saturday’s record of 80 degrees was tied. Typically, the Emerald City has temperatures reaching only the upper 50s in mid-April.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP
Portland, Oregon, recorded a high of 76 on Thursday, which is 15 degrees Fahrenheit above the average of 61 F. This was only the beginning of Portland's impressive temperatures. It beat Friday's 1999 record of 78 by one degree, which is 16 degrees above average for this time of year, and set a new record on Saturday as well with a temperature of 84 F.
Temperatures on Sunday are expected to reach the 80s in several other cities as well. Medford, Oregon, is even forecast to reach 90 F.
While this warmup seems generally harmless, it can carry subtler risks with it. One danger expected this weekend is an elevated wildfire risk. Vegetation is at record dryness for this time of year, according to the Portland National Weather Service office. Cowlitz County of Washington issued an emergency burn ban on Friday, rescinded all burn permits and outlined the appropriate ways to have a bonfire during this time.
"Some areas have not had decent rain in a month near the coast," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski.
Red flag warnings covered much of northwestern Oregon on Friday, including Portland. Due to the key combination of low relative humidity and gusty winds, any fires can spread quickly and easily across this area.
This image shows special weather statements (beige) and red flag warnings (red) in effect on Friday morning, April 16, 2021, across western Oregon and southwestern Washington. (AccuWeather)
The second danger of the weekend in the Northwest is even more subtle: water temperatures. Such warm weather can trick residents into believing it's summer, and many are itching to participate in water activities.
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Unfortunately, water does not heat as quickly as air does over land, so the water temperatures are not quite caught up. With many lakes and rivers fed by snowmelt from the mountains, water can still be dangerously cold, causing cold water shock to swimmers and overturned kayakers. The Snohomish County Sheriff's Office warned residents that this can be deadly.
However, that doesn't mean the water can't still be enjoyed this weekend. Residents will just need to use caution and follow safety measures, such as wading slowly into the water to become adjusted to the temperatures and wearing a life jacket.
For those who are heat averse across the Northwest waiting for relief, temperatures are likely to stay above normal through the middle of the week. Less extreme temperatures are forecast to return to normal by the end of this week.
"There will be a cooling trend this week as the wind flow turns more westerly, pulling cooler Pacific air into the region," said AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok.
Keep checking back on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier, Spectrum, FuboTV, Philo, and Verizon Fios.
Report a Typo