Heatwaves, Duststorms, and More

 We have some interesting weather ahead.

The key features will be the development of a strong upper-level ridge over British Columbia and a low sliding westward across southern Oregon (see upper-level map for 8 PM Sunday).

Predicted 500 hPa Height at 8 PM Sunday

There are some suggestions in the media and a few blogs that this situation is like June 2021.  This is not correct.  The shape, size, intensity and location of the high are different (and much less intense) and the low center was absent in 2021.  Subtle differences are everything.

So let's go through the next few days in detail.

Today (Thursday) has been near perfect, with low 70s around the region at 3 PM.

The predicted temperatures at 5 PM Friday are shown below.  Cooler along the coast and Northwest Washington.  Just reaching 80F in Seattle, but warmer (low to mid-80s) over southwest Washington and the Willamette Valley.  Also low 80s in the lower Columbia Basin.

The key features will be the development of a strong upper Heatwaves, Duststorms, and More
5 PM Friday

On Saturday at 5 PM, high temperatures will increase by roughly 2-7F (see below).  If you don't like heat, head to the water or northwest Washington.  80s will be extensive away from water from Everett southward and temperatures will warm towards the Cascade foothills.  Much warmer in the Columbia Valley.  Portland could get into the low-90s.  Mid-80s for Seattle away from the Sound.

5 PM Saturday.

On Sunday morning, with high pressure to the north and east and low pressure associated with the westward-moving low and a thermal trough over the Willamette Valley, a strong pressure gradient will develop over eastern Washington, with the potential to force strong winds (gusts to 20-40 mph).  A forecast of sea level pressure and wind gusts at 5 AM Sunday is shown below.

With freshly plowed fields of spring, such winds could raise dust/sand, resulting in dust storms.

The key features will be the development of a strong upper Heatwaves, Duststorms, and More


You will notice that strong easterly winds will be found over much of the region on Sunday, removing any marine influence and producing downslope warming on the western sides of the Cascades and coastal mountains.

Temperatures on Sunday should generally be similar to Saturday.  Perhaps a bit cooler in eastern Washington.


Monday could be the warmest day west of the Cascade Crest, but I will talk more about that in my next blog. Although this event is nothing like the June 2021 heatwave, a few daily records may well be broken.

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