The National Weather Service has issued a fire weather watch for Clark County beginning this afternoon.
Through Tuesday evening, lowlands of the county will experience heat, wind and low relative humidity that can cause fires, according to the weather service. Wind gusts could reach up to 30 mph.
Outdoor burning is not recommended while the watch is in effect.
The increased fire danger comes as hot weather is expected to hit the area this week. After a high of 86 degrees today, peaks will reach 94 degrees Tuesday and 93 degrees Wednesday, according to the weather service.
“We’ll probably be very close to the hottest weather we’ve seen this summer, if not the hottest,” said Colby Neuman, a meteorologist with the weather service.
On Tuesday’s date, the record is 98 degrees, while the record for Wednesday is 100 degrees.
“It’s within the margin of error that it could either tie or set one of those records,” Neuman said.
Thursday through Labor Day weekend, highs will gradually taper closer to 80 degrees, according to the weather service. Lows throughout the week are expected to hover between 60 degrees and 65 degrees.
“There is, at least, some relief on the way,” Neuman said.
An area of high pressure from the Pacific Ocean combined with easterly winds will cause the heat wave, Neuman said. Areas of the county more exposed to the winds — such as Vancouver, Camas and Washougal — will see less dramatic cooling down at night, while northern locations will experience more relief from the heat.
