How long will Oregon’s drought last?

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — After Multnomah County experienced its hottest summer ever in 2024, local residents have been bracing themselves for the next big heat event. But so far, temperatures have been relatively normal.

Tuesday’s “Extreme Heat Watch” was downgraded by the Portland National Weather Service after forecast models showed the heat event would be short-lived. The hot temperatures are expected to improve by late Wednesday, but the lack of rain is another story.

“One thing that’s noticeable in all of NOAA’s recent climate outlooks is the lack of rainfall in Oregon now throughout early August,” said KOIN Senior Meteorologist Kelley Bayern.

“It’s not unusual for the Pacific Northwest to see little to no rainfall across the months of July and August,” she said. “For Portland, they are the two driest months of the year.”

Most of Multnomah County, along with Washington, Tillamook, Yamhill and Polk counties are currently experiencing extreme drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Much of Clackamas, Marion, and Columbia counties are also in severe drought.

“Often, any rain that we accumulate in the summertime comes from thunderstorms that roll through the Willamette Valley. But this summer may play out on the drier side, which in turn may increase our statewide drought and wildfire danger moving forward,” Bayern said.

Those conditions are expected to continue without improvement through the end of July, according to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center.

The outlook shows rainfall totals for Portland, Eastern Oregon and Southwest Washington are expected to remain below normal. Eastern Oregon could also see higher than normal temperatures.

Currently, the Cram Fire has burned 28,635 acres and is still uncontained in Jefferson and Wasco counties. Just last month, the Rowena Fire burned 3,700 acres in Wasco County and destroyed at least 56 homes.