Forecast points towards potentially cooler summer season in PNW

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Near-normal conditions are possible for the Pacific Northwest this summer, making it considerably cooler than the last few years.

It's already been hot and will likely continue to be hot this summer. That's what is expected during the months of June, July and August in the Pacific Northwest. However, temperature extremes may be less frequent around Oregon and Washington this year as a near-normal temperature forecast is expected. Excessive heat is still possible, but there is a decreased chance of prolonged heat waves or record-breaking temperatures like Portland's seen over the last few summers.

Portland's all-time record-breaking daytime high was just three years ago. On June 28, 2021 Portland managed to see a temperature of 116 degrees making that the hottest recorded temperature ever recorded for the city. A stray weather extreme day or two is still possible this year, but the climate temperature trend is expected to be near average.

"We're probably going to get one, maybe two days where we get above 100. I don't see the hot, hot stuff here," said Clinton Rocky from the National Weather Service out of Portland.

Rain chances are also expected to remain near normal over the next few months. That doesn't mean Oregon and Washington will see a rainy summer, but the chance to see average precipitation amounts is possible. On average, June, July and August are the driest months of the year. That will likely be the case again this summer as the wildfire threat remains elevated during the dry season in the Pacific Northwest.

Just like the climatological temperature outlook, the precipitation forecast could still bring some extremes. A day or two of excessive rain or a prolonged amount of hot and dry weather is still possible during the summer months of 2024.