Full Breakdown
Heat Wave, Red Flag Warning and Smoke Swirl Across Oregon and Southwest Washington
8/4/2026, 1:20:43 PM
Heat Wave and Smoke Threat Overview
A Storm Tracker 2 Weather Alert has been issued for a heat wave beginning Tuesday, with a Heat Advisory covering the Willamette Valley, the Portland metro area, southwest Washington lowlands and the lower Columbia River region. Temperatures are expected to rise from the low-mid 90 °F on Tuesday to the low 100 °F on Wednesday, before easing to the upper 90 °F on Thursday. Simultaneously, wildfire smoke is moving into the Portland metro area and western Oregon, potentially moderating temperatures by a few degrees where the plume is thickest.
Recent Fire Activity and Red Flag Conditions
Strong gusty northerly winds over the weekend met criteria for a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) Red Flag Warning. A wildfire near Spokane, dubbed the Old Trails Fire, pushed eastward, prompting Washington Governor Bob Ferguson to declare a state of emergency. The fire threatened roughly 5,000 structures, and officials reported about 600 homes and other structures already destroyed. Sustained winds of 20-35 mph, with gusts up to 46 mph at The Dalles, helped the fire spread rapidly. The southern Willamette Valley remains under a Red Flag Warning through Monday afternoon, with low humidity and dry vegetation increasing fire danger.
Alerts and Official Responses
The National Weather Service has placed a Heat Advisory in effect at noon Tuesday, extending through 11 p.m. Wednesday for the affected regions. An Air Quality Alert is also active for portions of central and eastern Oregon, and a Fire Weather Watch will begin Tuesday for the Columbia River Gorge and Columbia Basin. Local officials have urged residents to exercise extra caution with any activities that could spark a fire.
Data Summary
- Expected highs: low-mid 90 °F (Tuesday) -> low 100 °F (Wednesday) -> upper 90 °F (Thursday)
- Wind observations: gusts 41-46 mph; sustained 20-35 mph during the recent cold front
- Structures threatened by Old Trails Fire: ~5,000; destroyed: ~600
- Red Flag Warning period: Monday 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. in the southern Willamette Valley
Outlook for the Week
Temperatures are projected to fall back into the 90 °F range later in the week and into the 80 °F range by the weekend, offering modest relief. Smoke is expected to gradually improve, though dry conditions will persist through the forecast period. Residents are advised to monitor updates from local weather services and heed any further advisories.
