The Pacific Northwest is experiencing a sizzling heat wave that includes a record-high temperature of 108 degrees Fahrenheit in Portland. Entering the weekend, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued an “excessive heat warning" for the region.

Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Nevada and British Columbia, Canada, have all seen parts with temperatures above 100 degrees. The excessive heat warning will remain in effect until Monday night. Canada is expected to see temperatures reach a record high for the country.

The heatwave is due to a record-strong high-pressure area aloft that is called a "heat dome," an unusual pattern that acts like a pot with a lid that traps heat. A heat dome can sit over a region and last for several days.

Cities have had to open up cooling centers because multitudes of people in the area not accustomed to this kind of weather and are not equipped with the air conditioning to handle it. Temperatures are soaring about 30 degrees above the average for Washington and Oregon.

Buildings like cinemas and shopping malls have been opened up as shelters for those who don't have access to air conditioning. Oregon and Washington have removed COVID-19 capacity limits to allow for more people into cool shelters.

A heatwave like this one has not been recorded since 2009. The region climbed to 101 to 106 degrees for two to four days, while temperatures over 90 lingered for eight to 10 days, the NWS said.

The NWS warns of temperatures getting more intense within the next few days. Meteorologists forecasted temperatures reaching 117 degrees on Tuesday in Kennewick, Washington.

"Residents are urged to avoid extended periods of time outdoors, stay hydrated and check on vulnerable family members/neighbors," the NWS said.

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