A strong east wind will blow across the metro area beginning later Friday and into Saturday as red flag warnings are posted across Oregon.
The National Weather Service is warning of above normal temperatures, smoke and haze from ongoing regional fires, low humidity, and strong wind gusts into Saturday.
Portland will be hot and windy Friday with temperatures reaching near 89 degrees, and wind gusts ranging from 20-35 mph at times mostly in the afternoon. The strongest winds will be across the Cascades, on exposed ridges along the Coast Range and in the Columbia River Gorge.
These east winds will carry smoke from regional wildfires into the Willamette Valley at times. Air quality may be affected. To check your current air quality log onto www.airnow.gov or visit this link: oregonlive.com/wildfires/2022
Due to high fire danger, the Oregon Department of Forestry has closed all off-highway vehicle trails, banned campfires, and closed some forest roads to vehicle traffic. Those recreating in the mountains this weekend should be prepared for possible evacuations, especially in the central portions of the Cascade Range. Many areas are already closed. Check before you leave to see restrictions at your destination.
Residents in several counties have been warned of possible power shutoffs due to fire danger. See this story for info on how to determine if your power may be temporarily shut off.
Check this link for a list of schools that are closed Friday due to power shutoffs: oregonlive.com/weather
Saturday will be a hot day in Portland with hazy and smoky skies. Overnight low temperatures may be close to 70, and the daytime high will reach into the 90s. Portland’s high will be near 94 degrees. Continued windy conditions may bring gusts as high as 32 mph in some areas.
Forecast models are showing the thermal trough moving toward the Cascades by Saturday afternoon which should shift the winds more onshore and bring some relief from the heat. Clouds may increase by late in the evening.
A cooler onshore flow is expected by Sunday. Portland will see a partly sunny day with highs near 88 degrees. There’s even a chance of drizzle along the coast and near the Cascades overnight and into Monday.
Extended forecasts are hinting at average temperatures next week with some slight chance of rain after Wednesday.
Ad Choices