You’ve probably heard the saying: Summer doesn’t really start in the Northwest until after the Fourth of July.
Consider this year an exception to that rule.
Vancouver just notched its warmest June on record, racking up seven 90-degree days during the month — beating the previous best of six, set in 2003. A normal June sees just one day of 90-degree heat, according to the National Weather Service in Portland.
For an entire year, Vancouver typically notches 11 days at 90 degrees or more, according to the weather service. With the hot streak expected to continue into this weekend, the city could match that total by the July 4 holiday — with most of the summer still to come.
“It’s not until July and August when they really kick in on a normal year,” said David Bright, meteorologist in charge with the weather service in Portland.
The record for 90-degree days in a year is 27, set in 1906. Even with a fast start, this year still has a long way to go to catch that mark.
Vancouver’s average temperature in June, including both highs and lows, was a record 69.3 degrees, according to the weather service. That’s a whopping six degrees above normal. It’s also warmer than the normal temperature for both July and August, Bright said.
The extended warm weather has exacerbated drought conditions across Southwest Washington and elsewhere. Local officials continue to stress fire danger and urge caution as fireworks go on sale across the county. Clark County Fire Marshall Jon Dunaway this week urged people to consider skipping personal fireworks altogether and “leave it to the pros.”
What’s more, the heat has come with an extended dry spell. Vancouver hasn’t seen any measurable rain since June 3. And there’s still no precipitation in sight.
Many rivers and streams are running much lower and warmer than usual for this time of year. Even the Columbia River reportedly measured a water temperature of almost 71 degrees this week at Bonneville Dam — the warmest it has been since 1950.
Long-range forecasts continue to call for a warmer, drier-than-usual summer in the Northwest. The federal Climate Prediction Center sees a strong chance of above-normal temperatures in Southwest Washington through September. The region also looks to be drier than normal for at least the next month, according to the agency.
“We’re certainly starting out that way,” Bright said.
High temperatures are expected to linger in the low 90s each day through Sunday before dipping back into the 80s early next week. The weather service on Wednesday issued a heat advisory that will remain in effect until Friday evening.
Officials encouraged residents to drink plenty of water and take appropriate precautions if they plan to spend any time outside. Animals should never be left in a parked car, even with windows open or in the shade, according to Clark County Animal Protection and Control.
