Rare May Heatwave Sends Temps Soaring in Northwest
• A rare early-May heat surge is set to scorch the Pacific Northwest starting Sunday, with temperatures soaring 20–25°F above normal.
• Cities like Seattle could near 80°F, while Portland may exceed 90°F, with some spots nearing 95°F under heat advisories.
• The unusual warmth, driven by strong high pressure, raises health risks as residents are not yet acclimated.
Why It's Important?
The surge in temperature is attributed to a strong high-pressure system building over the area. This system is trapping warm air and preventing the usual cool, maritime breezes from moderating the heat. The unseasonable warmth is particularly concerning because it arrives so early in the year, before people have had a chance to adjust to warmer conditions.
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