‘Nowhere is safe’: heat shatters vision of Pacific north-west as climate refuge

Residents of the region, known for its mild weather, are facing a shifting reality

The recent heatwave that broiled the US Pacific north-west not only obliterated temperature records in cities such as Seattle and Portland - it also put a torch to a comforting bromide that the region would be a mild, safe haven from the ravages of the climate crisis.

Unprecedented temperatures baked the region three weeks ago, part of a procession of heatwaves that have hit the parched US west, from Montana to southern California, over the past month. A heat dome" that settled over the area saw Seattle reach 108F (42.2C), smashing the previous record by 3F (1.7C), while Portland, Oregon, soared to its own record of 116F (46.7C). Some inland areas managed to get up to 118F (47.8C).