90s in Seattle, 110s in Phoenix: A New Heat Wave Is Building Across the West

The first official days of the astronomical summer will certainly feel like it across much of the Pacific Northwest. A new wave of record-challenging heat will envelop this corner of the country to start the new work week. Read on for the details of this building heat wave.

Seattle and Portland Could Break Records Set Over 30 Years Ago

Temperatures will soar into the early 90s this week up and down the Interstate 5 corridor in the northwestern U.S. The heat wave will hit less than 10 days after the mercury climbed to new records in cities such as Seattle and Portland. During the June 13 - 15 heat wave, Seattle set a new record high of 91 degrees, and Portland saw a record-breaking reading of 97 degrees.

A dome of high pressure building over the Northwest will be blamed on the incoming heat. Past daily high records may be in danger of falling on Monday and Tuesday. The heat will come after a pleasant weekend featuring perfect temperatures and dry conditions. The latest forecast models signal that temperatures will climb 15 to 20 degrees over the readings notched on Father's Day weekend.

Not only will temperatures likely eclipse what was seen earlier in the month, but forecasters also believe that readings may challenge the daily high records that were set during an early-season heat wave in June of 1992. During this extreme weather event, Portland saw temperatures reach the century mark.

The forecast for Portland is calling for highs in the 90s for the next few days. Tuesday is expected to be the peak of the heat in the Rose City.

Seattle's forecast is also predicting the possibility that temperatures may inch past the readings set during the 1992 heat wave. That event brought highs of 92 degrees to the Emerald City on June 22 - 24.

While it will cool slightly on Wednesday, it will remain unseasonably warm for the next World Cup match at Seattle Stadium. Fans and players at the match between Bosnia-Herzegovina and Qatar will see highs hovering in the mid 80s. Real feel readings will land even higher when combined with the intense sunshine during the peak afternoon heating hours.

A kickoff time of noon means that those in attendance will be dealing with the hottest part of the day. Staying well-hydrated is the best strategy to protect yourself from heat-related illnesses if you are headed out to the game. Although a good chunk of Seattle Stadium is under cover, the field and lower-level seats are exposed to the elements.