Editor’s note: This story pertains to a developing situation and will be updated as more information becomes available.
While the Portland metro isn’t facing the record level heat seen during last year’s heat dome, the current temperatures are dangerous.
Various agencies opened 24-hour cooling centers throughout the city, in addition to the numerous daytime cooling and misting centers the city and local nonprofits set up in response to the heat. Designated cooling centers will remain in operation at least through Sunday morning, according to a Friday press release from Multnomah County. (Full list below)
The National Weather Service upgraded an existing excessive heat watch to an excessive heat warning Tuesday morning, predicting temperatures in and around Portland could reach 103 degrees. Excessive heat warnings, the most serious heat alert, indicate the heat index will reach at least 105 degrees within 12 hours and warn conditions pose a threat to life or property, according to the Oregon Health Authority.
The excessive heat warning will remain in effect until at least 9 p.m. Saturday. The National Weather Service currently forecasts highs of 98 degrees, 102 degrees, 102 degrees and 96 degrees in Portland for Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
“Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities and for those that do not have access to air conditioning,” the warning said. “... Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. … Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.”
Hospitals are already treating an upswell of patients experiencing symptoms of heat-related illnesses, according to a Wednesday Multnomah County press release.
“In the past three days, hospitals have treated 13 people for heat illness, when they would normally expect to see two or three,” the release said. “Among those taken to emergency departments were people working outside or exercising outdoors during the heat and older people. Emergency medical services responded to 361 calls Tuesday — about 25% higher than a typical summer day; 13 of those were heat-related.”
City, county prepare for high heat
Multnomah County officials and Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler announced a formal emergency declaration in a joint press release Monday.
“This heat wave is going to last for several days,” Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury said in the release. “And with little relief at night, the risks are going to be compounded. We've been preparing for this event, getting cooling spaces ready and getting supplies, including cooling units and survival gear, to those most in need. It's not too late to make a plan and to check on your neighbors and loved ones.”
Theriault said while the 2021 heat dome event showed housed people without air conditioning who lack the ability to get outside or open windows are at the highest risk during extreme heat events, a considerable threat still exists for homeless Portlanders.
“It’s dangerous for everyone in the community when it reaches the high temperatures we’re seeing, the duration of the high temperatures and then the relative lack of overnight cooling,” Theriault said. “Those factors are especially tough for folks who can’t be outside during the coolest parts of the night or can’t get a window open.”
A list of cooling shelters and misting stations can be found below:
(All information provided by Multnomah County, unless otherwise noted)
24-hour cooling centers
Masks are required and available upon request.
- Charles Jordan Community Center: 9009 N. Foss Ave.,
- East Portland Community Center: 740 SE 106th Ave.,
- Portland Building: 1120 SW 5th Ave.,
- Sunrise Center: 18901 E. Burnside St.
Daytime cooling center
- Old Town: 435 N.W. Glisan St., Portland (10 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
- Lloyd Center: 1405 Lloyd Center, Portland (10 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
Misting centers (Operated by the city, unless otherwise noted)
- Street Roots: 211 NW Davis St. (10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Friday) (Not operated by the city, information provided by Street Roots)
- Ground Score: 1420 SE Water Ave. (11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday) (Not operated by the city, information provided by Street Roots)
- East Portland Community Center: 740 SE 106th Ave. (noon to 8 p.m.)
- Glenhaven Park, near skate park: 7900 NE Siskiyou St. (noon to 8 p.m.)
- Harney Park, near restroom: SE 67th Avenue and SE Harney St. (noon to 8 p.m.)
- Knott Park, west restroom: NE 112th Avenue and NE Russell St. (noon to 8 p.m.)
- Lents Park, at Walker Stadium: 4808 SE 92nd Ave. (noon to 8 p.m.)
- Mt. Scott Community Center, near playgrounds: 5530 SE 72nd Ave. (noon to 8 p.m.)
Libraries
Three libraries extended hours through Saturday.
- Central: 801 SW 10th Ave., Portland (open until 8 p.m.)
- Gresham: 385 N.W. Miller Ave., Gresham (open until 9 p.m.)
- Holgate: 7905 S.E. Holgate Blvd., Portland (open until 9 p.m.)
Transportation
TriMet is suspending fares for those riding to a cool place who cannot afford to pay. TriMet is requesting riders disclose they are headed to a cool place when boarding without paying, though a “cool place” includes informal locations like homes of families and friends in addition to official cooling shelters.
“When riding transit during extreme heat, riders will want to plan extra time and check trimet.org/alerts before traveling, as there may be heat-related delays to service,” the Multnomah County website says. “Anyone who needs transportation support to a cool space can also dial 2-1-1.”
Important links per Multnomah County:
- 211info
- National Weather Service
- Take Care When It's Hot (Heat safety tips)
- Cool places in Multnomah County
- Cool places in Clackamas County
- Cool places in Washington County
- Rose City Resource Guide (Information provided by Street Roots)
- Portland Street Medicine (Information provided by Street Roots)
- Call 503-501-1231 and press 7 after the initial recorded message plays. You will be forwarded to a volunteer doctor or nurse. Advice line hours: Monday 2-7 p.m., Tuesday 2-7 p.m., Wednesday 4-7 p.m., Thursday 2-7 p.m., Friday 2-7 p.m.
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