Unrelenting heat returns to the Northwest this week

Another wave of above-normal temperatures will wash over the Northwest, bringing little in the way of relief for residents and firefighters.

Following a brief cooldown over the weekend, temperatures will again soar well above normal for much of this week.

Cities like Seattle, and Boise, Idaho had a brief reprieve from the heat over the weekend, where temperatures dropped below the normal mid-August threshold.

“The recent downturn in the heat has been welcome by most residents, as well as for wildland firefighters,” said AccuWeather Meteorologist Evan Duffey.

However, as we head through this week, temperatures will rise to above-normal levels once again as the jet stream bulges northward.

By the middle of the week, it is likely that temperatures will rebound as high as 15 degrees F above normal.

The peak of the heat looks to be on Tuesday or Wednesday for many, including Seattle; Portland, Oregon; Boise, Idaho; Great Falls and Billings, Montana; and Spokane, Washington.

Temperatures in Seattle will peak in the lower 90s, while temperatures farther inland in places like Spokane and Boise will surge into the upper 90s.

Download the free AccuWeather app to check on the rising temperatures and the heat on the way for the coming days.

The good news is that temperatures will likely fall short of record levels, making it less oppressive than the last heat spell in the area.

“Still, area residents will have to take precautions about spending time outside in the heat,” Duffey added.

Anyone with respiratory problems, the elderly, young children and those that mind the heat should be sure to drink plenty of fluids and limit time outdoors during the hottest parts of the day to reduce the risk for heat-related illness.

The heat in coastal locations will wane later in the week, but most places will hold onto the above-normal temperatures.

This heat, which extends through much of the West, including California, will be of no help to firefighters.

Dozens of large fires have spread across the West in recent weeks, and no precipitation to douse the flames means that firefighters will need to do it with no help from Mother Nature.

Nearby fires and stagnant air will continue to keep smoke in the air for many places as well.

Low air quality with the smoke is just another reason residents should limit their time outside.

A weak storm may drop in before the end of the week and may stir winds enough to become a problem for firefighting efforts in part of the region.

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