June 21 set in motion the first official day of summer and the forecast over the next week is in alignment. Clark County residents can expect warming trends beginning Thursday, with temperatures settling in the low 80s. The increasingly warm weather forecasts an enjoyable Fourth of July weekend. Despite the persistent heat, water temperatures will remain in the low 50s. Those who plan to cool off in lakes and rivers should be wary of cold water shock. The tame heat wave will carry on over the weekend and is expected to reach its peak Monday at 94 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. The Fourth of July holiday will decrease to a clement high of 86 degrees.

Tyler Kranz, lead meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Portland, warned of the potential for temperatures to reach triple digits Monday and Tuesday. “Considering trends may get closer to the hundreds, one thing folks should pay attention to is the possibility of heat exhaustion,” Kranz said. This warning should be heeded, as heat waves have become prevalent in the Pacific Northwest. In June 2021, Pacific Northwest temperatures exceeded previous recorded averages — an unprecedented circumstance for Clark County residents. On June 28, 2021, the National Weather Service recorded a temperature of 115 degrees in Vancouver, breaking an all-time heat record. As Clark County residents descend further into summer, they should take the necessary steps to remain cool and stay hydrated. “Anyone with outdoor plans for (the holiday) should definitely be prepared with water, AC and shade,” Kranz said.