PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — After a stretch of sweltering late-summer heat, residents across Oregon and Southwest Washington are finally getting a refreshing break. This Labor Day weekend will bring mild, comfortable conditions — but forecasters warn the relief won’t last, with another round of high temperatures expected by midweek.
A Refreshing Start to the Holiday
Saturday began with a shift in the weather pattern as cooler air and a light north-northwest breeze settled into the region. According to Storm Tracker 2 Meteorologist Dave Salesky, the timing couldn’t be better.
“For those of you staying home for Labor Day, the weather is going to be perfect,” Salesky said.
Temperatures in the Portland metro area will top out near 80 degrees, with parts of the Willamette Valley holding in the upper 70s. High, thin clouds are expected to filter in from a weak low-pressure system spinning offshore in the Pacific, but they will not dampen outdoor plans.
Sunday and Labor Day Outlook
Sunday’s forecast mirrors Saturday’s: partly cloudy skies, pleasant breezes, and highs near 80. By Labor Day Monday, however, the warming trend begins. Sunshine will dominate much of the Pacific Northwest, pushing temperatures in Portland and the valley into the mid-80s.
That shift marks the beginning of another late-season heat wave.
Heat Returns Midweek
Forecasters say the region will transition quickly from comfortable holiday conditions to hot weather as high pressure builds inland. By Wednesday and Thursday, highs are expected to surge into the mid-90s to upper 90s.
“Back to work, back to school, get ready. We’re going to heat up again,” Salesky cautioned.
Though early September rarely produces triple-digit heat in the Pacific Northwest, forecasters emphasize that prolonged days in the mid-to-upper 90s can still be dangerous — particularly for those without reliable air conditioning. Officials continue to remind residents to stay hydrated, check on vulnerable neighbors, and prepare cooling strategies in advance.
College Football Kickoff Forecast
The weekend’s mild weather is arriving just in time for the first slate of college football games, with both the University of Oregon and Oregon State University hosting home openers.
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Oregon Ducks vs. Montana State Bobcats
Kickoff at 1 p.m. Saturday at Autzen Stadium in Eugene will bring sunny skies and a comfortable 75 degrees. Fans in the north stands will feel considerably warmer under direct sun. Forecasters urge attendees to wear sunscreen, hydrate regularly, and limit alcohol consumption, which can increase dehydration risks. -
Oregon State Beavers vs. California Golden Bears
Corvallis will deliver near-perfect evening football conditions. The game begins at 7 p.m. with kickoff temperatures in the mid-70s, cooling into the upper 60s by the final whistle. Light winds will add to the comfortable atmosphere for fans.
Why the Swing?
The pleasant start to Labor Day weekend is tied to a weak low-pressure system parked in the Pacific Ocean, which is allowing cooler marine air and some high cloud cover to drift into the region. But by Tuesday, a ridge of high pressure is forecast to strengthen, suppressing cloud development and trapping heat at the surface.
Such swings are not uncommon for late summer in the Pacific Northwest, but they pose unique challenges as schools reopen and outdoor events continue.
Preparing for What’s Ahead
Public health officials warn that while this weekend’s cooler conditions are safe and inviting, residents shouldn’t be caught off guard by the coming heat. Strategies include:
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Planning outdoor activities for mornings or evenings once 90-degree days return.
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Stocking up on water and checking that cooling devices are working properly.
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Watching for heat advisories or excessive heat warnings from the National Weather Service early next week.
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Using cooling centers if necessary, particularly for those in older buildings without air conditioning.
The Takeaway
For now, Oregon and Southwest Washington can savor picture-perfect conditions for barbecues, hikes, and football games. But meteorologists are already eyeing the next shift: a late-season surge of 90-degree heat poised to settle over the region by midweek.
As Salesky summed it up: “Enjoy this holiday weekend while you can. The heat will be back soon enough.”
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