Close but no cigar, as the saying goes. An increase in high clouds kept us from reaching that 100-degree mark for what would have been the first time this summer. As of 5 p.m., Vancouver recorded a high of 98, tying the record set in 1961 (the high temperature could have bumped up a notch after this writing). Thunderstorms will follow, and Monday night into today looked like a possible repeat of two weeks ago.
Not too far up the freeway, Kelso was toasty with 102 degrees. Portland had 99 degrees. Last year we were at only 74 degrees on this date. Another city above 100 was Eugene, Ore., at 101. It was safe to say most areas east of the mountains were at 100 degrees or higher. The Dalles was 107 degrees.
It was hot in Puget Sound as well, with highs in the mid-90s, a real heat wave for them. Seattle topped out at 96 degrees, a new record. With the clouds, increased humidity made it feel pretty muggy.
Wednesday we have an actual cold front moving through for more stability, so thunder threat dwindles. We do expect some light rain or showers ending Thursday. However, we could see areas of heavy downpours with any thunderstorms and when the cold front moves inland.
