Record May Heat
By Rod Hill on 2023-05-15
Portland is setting daily record high temperatures as well as breaking records for warmest overnight low temperatures for the month of May. The low on this Monday, May 15th is reported as 63 degrees, which would break the record of 62 for warmest low temperature all-time. The record will need to be verified on today's final climate report.
The first graphic shows record highs at PDX the last three days and today's forecast high of 89 with a storm chance (record is 93).
This graphic below details all-time records for the number of 90 degree days in May, including consecutive runs. The last 3 days have tied the all-time PDX record (going back to 1940) for total number of 90 degree days in May.
The historic record from all reporting sites dating back to 1874, shows Portland has never had more than 4 total 90 degree days or hotter in the month of May. PDX could tie the record today or possibly tie or break the mark later this week with the 7day showing more potential 90 degree heat through the day Friday.
In short, this is unusual. May often experiences zero 90 degree days or 1-2 spotty days during the month. The hottest May temperature on record at PDX is 100 degrees on May 28th back in 1983, which is the earliest 100 degree temp on record.
Rod Hill
(graphic backgrounds courtesy of KGW TV)
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