Rare 100-degree heat wave forecast to break Portland temperature records

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Portland is forecast to break or tie temperature records on Thursday and Friday as the region suffers through a rare September heat wave.

KOIN 6 Meteorologist Kelley Bayern forecasts a high of 96 degrees on Wednesday, 100-degree temperatures on Thursday and near 100-degree heat on Friday. Portland's current temperature records for Sept. 5 is 101 degrees, set in 1944. The standing record for Sept. 6 is 97 degrees set in 1958.

“We could rival heat records, mainly on Thursday and Friday, during this rare September heat wave,” Bayern said.

If the forecast holds, Thursday will be the third time in recorded history that Portland has experienced 100-degree heat in September. Portland also saw Septembers with temperatures in the 100s 1944 and 1988.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for areas of northwest and central Oregon and the Cascade foothills and valleys. The warning will be in effect from noon Thursday to 10 p.m. Friday.