Portland and other areas in the Willamette Valley, southwest Washington, and the Columbia River Gorge are currently under an extreme heat warning that extends through Tuesday.
Temperatures surged on Friday, with Portland hitting a preliminary high of 101 degrees Fahrenheit at Portland International Airport, breaking the previous record of 98 degrees set in 1942.
As the region grapples with these soaring temperatures, local authorities are taking steps to ensure residents can find respite from the heat. Washington County officials decided not to open overnight shelters on Friday night but indicated that such facilities will likely be available over the weekend. Instead, people are encouraged to visit daytime cooling centers to find relief. Helpful resources can be found at staycoolwashingtoncounty.com, detailing available cooling locations.
The combination of high temperatures and stagnant air is also causing concerns about air quality. An air quality advisory has been issued for the Portland metro area, Willamette Valley, and Lane County. This advisory will be in effect from Saturday through Monday night, as the region contends with the formation of smog created by the oppressive heat.
Even those participating in the annual Hood to Coast relay race are feeling the impact of the heat. Runners like Gina Milhauser reported struggling with the high temperatures as they attempted to navigate the course along the waterfront in Southwest Portland. Milhauser described the challenging conditions, stating that the heat turned a manageable run into an unmanageable one. Despite the tough conditions, she expressed excitement about running with her Nike team.
In light of the heat wave, some good news emerged regarding outdoor swimming. Although the outdoor pool season was initially set to close on Friday, several facilities—such as Peninsula, Creston, and Pier pools—announced extended hours, remaining open through September 5 to help residents cool off during this extreme weather.
Local transportation service TriMet is playing its part as well; they announced that they would not turn away anyone traveling to or from emergency cooling centers throughout Friday and Saturday. This move comes as an assurance for those seeking shelter from the extreme temperatures.
Meanwhile, Oregonians concerned about losing electricity during this heat wave can rest a bit easier. State protections have been put in place to prevent electric utility companies from disconnecting non-paying customers amid the high temperatures, ensuring that residents can maintain power during this oppressive period.
As summer temperatures rise, many residents are left to ponder what the optimal thermostat setting should be for both comfort and energy savings. The federal government’s Energy Star program suggests keeping thermostats at 78 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and increasing it to around 82 degrees at night, though many find these recommendations to be a challenge to follow in the current heat.
This summer has seen predominantly mild conditions across Portland until this recent heat wave hit the region, drawing in strong high-pressure systems from the desert Southwest. The National Weather Service’s forecast indicates that many inland valley areas can expect temperatures to range between 98 and 103 degrees throughout Friday and Saturday, with upper 90s expected to persist into early next week.
The Hood to Coast relay, a highly anticipated annual event, is facing its hottest climate since its inception in 1982. The record for the highest temperature during the race was previously 97 degrees in 2016; however, this year’s participants may experience even hotter conditions as they run from Timberline Lodge to Seaside.
As the heat wave continues, residents are encouraged to stay hydrated, monitor local advisories, and seek cooler environments as necessary to cope with the relentless temperatures. Safety recommendations are in place for both residents and participants in outdoor activities. With the extreme heat likely to continue impacting the region, careful attention is essential to avoid heat-related illnesses.
image source from：oregonlive
