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Stratus is shown working it's way up the Oregon coast (left) visible satellite image. Forecasters say it's sign that cooler weather has made it to the south Oregon coast, and eventually will make its way to the inland valleys. At the same time, smoke from the Deception Complex fire can be seen over the Willamette Valley, to the right of the stratus.

(National Weather Service)

For the second straight day, Portland reached and then topped the 90-degree mark Saturday.



It was the 19th day with a high of 90 or higher, and it came early in the day, reaching the 91-degree mark just before 1 p.m., and 93 degrees just before 2 p.m.



Portland averages 12 such days each year but had a record 24 days of 90 or above in 2009. Friday marked the first 90 degree day for September this year.



Breaking it down by month, there have been two 90-degree or higher days in September, nine 90-degree or higher days in August (record is 13 in 1967), seven in July (record is 14 in 2009), none in June (record is six in 1970 and again in 2003) and one in May (record is three in 1947 and again in 1987).



In Eugene, where the Oregon Ducks take on the Spartans of Michigan State at 3:30 p.m., the temperature at 1 p.m. was a relatively cool 84 degrees but is expected to reach around 90 degrees by 5 p.m., forecasters with the National Weather Service in Portland said.



Because of the heat, TriMet officials said MAX trains are running 10 mph slower than usual. Running at regular speeds can damage overhead wires and rails, said TriMet spokeswoman, Mary Fetsch.





A red flag warning remains in effect for all of northwest Oregon through 11 p.m. Saturday. The combination of hot temperatures, strong winds and low humidity is expected to create "explosive fire growth potential," fire weather forecasters say.

-- Stuart Tomlinson