Record Warmth Followed by Severe Thunderstorms Expected in Pacific Northwest

PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — The Pacific Northwest is bracing for record warmth before severe thunderstorms sweep through, as high temperatures on Tuesday are expected to reach nearly 80 degrees in some areas. The dramatic weather shift will take place after a warm air surge begins Monday, leading to high readings significantly above seasonal averages.

Storm Tracker 2 Meteorologist Rhonda Shelby noted, “It won’t just be our area that experiences this significant upswing in temperatures. Records could also be set from the Desert Southwest to the Pacific Northwest this week.” According to forecasts, Portland is likely to see a high of 75 degrees on Tuesday, while areas near the Oregon border could flirt with the 80-degree mark.

However, this warmth may be short-lived, as Shelby added, “The warm-up is looking short-lived; most forecast models indicate a return to normal temperatures and spring rains by late Wednesday.”

As the warm air mass moves in, meteorologists anticipate numerous showers and thunderstorms on Wednesday across the region as a cold front sweeps through. The Storm Prediction Center has declared a marginal risk for severe storms throughout much of the Northwest, which includes portions of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.

“Local risks for hail and damaging wind gusts may develop during the afternoon and into the evening,” said a representative from the Storm Prediction Center. “A few rotating thunderstorms can’t be ruled out.”

The National Weather Service in Portland emphasized that while most thunderstorms are expected to be non-severe, the strongest systems could produce hazardous conditions, including wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail as large as quarters. Meteorologists Dave Salesky, Rhonda Shelby, and Allison Gutleber will be monitoring conditions closely.

Meanwhile, the scene is similar across the border in Washington. Chief Meteorologist Morgan Palmer reported that the state will experience warm and muggy conditions leading up to the thunderstorms.

“We’re looking at highs around 70 degrees in Seattle and low 70s throughout the South Sound,” he said. “The greatest risk for strong storms will occur in the late afternoon and evening.”

The National Weather Service has noted that the dynamics for severe thunderstorms will be present, including a significant change in temperature profiles that promote instability in the atmosphere. This uniqueness in weather conditions has prompted them to issue a precautionary alert.

Palmer noted, “These thunderstorms are expected to arrive by mid-afternoon on Wednesday, potentially impacting the evening commute across the Puget Sound region.”

If individuals have outdoor plans on Wednesday, they should remain vigilant and prepare for rapidly changing conditions, especially during team practices or other events. “When thunder roars, head indoors!” has never been more relevant for residents during this period.

After Wednesday night, cooler weather will set in, with forecasts predicting a return to the 50s by Thursday, accompanied by scattered rain showers.