The Pacific Northwest is bracing for a significant heat wave this week, with heat alerts issued for southern Washington and northern Oregon, impacting over 500,000 residents. The National Weather Service (NWS) is warning of dangerously high temperatures, potentially reaching 102°F, which significantly increases the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion. An extreme heat watch is in effect from Tuesday through Thursday, with the peak of the heat wave expected midweek.