Yesterday ended like a typical mid-to-late August day. Highs in the low to mid-80s from Portland south through Eugene, upper 60s to low 70s along the coast, and upper 80s east in The Dalles.

A major shift in our weather pattern is underway, and it’s bringing the hottest stretch of the summer so far. Beginning today, high pressure will strengthen over the Pacific Northwest, locking us into several days of hot and dry weather.

Temperatures will soar on Friday and Saturday, with inland valleys from Portland south through Salem and Corvallis climbing into the upper 90s and even reaching 100 degrees. Even after sunset, conditions won’t bring much relief—overnight lows will stay in the 60s, and some areas in the Columbia River Gorge may not drop below 70 degrees.

This combination of very hot

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