With all time hottest and or longest time above 99deg temperature records broken in Portland, Eugene and Seattle, the Pacific Northwest is sweltering under triple-digit temperatures the likes of which have never been seen before since records have been kept.

This is being called a once in 1000 year event, but is forecast to be the probable new normal thanks to changing weather patterns. Massive unprecedented wildfires were already predicted this year thanks to a continuing severe drought. This kind of extreme heat can only make that prediction optimistic since it both dries out and kills vegetation throughout the heavily forested region, meaning much more fuel at near zero moisture content along with heat generated lighting. Lack of water in these areas also makes fighting fires there much more difficult.