More than half of Oregon is now experiencing severe drought, according to a report by the U.S. Drought Monitor.
The current drought is the worst the state has seen since 2015, but has already brought considerably more wildfires.
Oregon wildfires have burned 291,000 acres as of July 31, more than double last year’s record-setting fire season at the same time, according to data from Northwest Interagency Coordination Center.
“But this is extreme.
We had periods of hot weather that lasted nine to 10 days, and that’s not normal.” Both Salem and Portland set records for the most days above 90 degrees.
Portland saw its second-hottest average temperature on record at 69.2.
All of this follows on the heels of near-record heat and dryness in May and June as well, which is why Oregon has dropped so deep into drought.
Ninety-five percent of Oregon is considered “abnormally dry” while 82 percent is in moderate drought and 55 percent is in severe drought, the Drought Monitor report said.
And there’s little relief in sight.
He is the author of the book “Best Hikes with Kids: Oregon” and “Hiking Southern Oregon.” He can be reached at zurness@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 399-6801.