Vancouver is facing rising temperatures later this week, prompting the National Weather Service to issue an Excessive Heat Watch that starts Wednesday afternoon and continues through Saturday. The warning is especially important for vulnerable populations and those spending time outdoors.
The heat watch applies to all of Clark County, as well as parts of Cowlitz County, the Portland area, the Willamette Valley and the Cascade foothills and the Oregon Coast.
“It will get pretty darn warm as we hit Wednesday, but as we hit Thursday and Friday” temperatures will be between 100 and 110, said Jon Bonk, meteorologist at the Portland branch of the National Weather Service. “We’re looking at conditions that in the past has led toward significant heat illness.”
On Wednesday, the NWS is expecting a high of 100 degrees and a low of 70; Thursday will have a high of 105 and a low of 72; Friday will have a high of 104 and a low of 72 with clouds moving in.
On Saturday, the high is likely going to be in the high 90s.
The heatwave is due to high pressure from the Pacific Ocean that will blow away Saturday night.
Southwest Washington should see a 10-degree drop on Sunday, according to the forecast.
“We are in the heart of summer,” Bonk said. “Regardless of what past conditions are, it’s a great time to be careful with things that can spark fires.”
Uri Papish, executive director at the Southwest Washington Clean Air Agency, said that Clark County may get some smoke coming down from fires east of Mount Rainier around Wednesday, but it won’t be too bad.
“We’re not expecting air pollution to be too bad this week,” he said.
Papish also said that the several days of warm weather ahead might lead to elevated smog, and if any new wildfires are sparked from the heat, it will contribute to any smoke in the air.
Cooling spaces
According to the Council for the Homeless, cooling spaces will be open around the county due to hot weather. Contact the council for more information at 360-695-9677. There may be some motel vouchers available for those age 60 and older and families with children.
Areas with shade and bathroom access (Public restrooms are open 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily):
- Esther Short Park: 605 Esther St., Vancouver
- Marshall Park: 1069 E. McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver
- Marine Park Boat Launch: 4501 S.E .Columbia Way, Vancouver
- Leroy Haagen Memorial Park: N.E. Ninth Street, Vancouver
- Devine Park @ Burnt Bridge
- Vancouver Waterfront Park/Portland Loos (24/7): 695 Waterfront Way
- Ballfields by the old Vancouver Public Library on Mill Plain ( free WiFi signal)
