Multnomah County prepares to open cooling spaces as forecasts predict triple-digit heat wave

Multnomah County is gearing up to help people in the Portland area stay cool as the region’s tame summer weather is expected to shift into triple-digit temperatures over the Fourth of July weekend.

County officials have yet to announce where and when they will set up cooling centers, but they said Tuesday that they’re prepared to open air conditioned spaces if weather forecasts hold. The county opens cooling centers on the first 90-degree day of the summer, when the weather service issues heat advisories or the weather service heat risk tool shows certain areas of the county will be disproportionately impacted.

The county makes final decisions on opening cooling centers the morning before they open, officials said.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning spanning much of northwest and central Oregon and southwest Washington effective from noon Thursday to 11 p.m. Sunday.

High temperatures have hovered around the mid-70s and 80s over the past week. A flash of hot weather predicted to start July 4 and to bring a high of 104 degrees on Saturday — a leap that could make people more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses like heat stroke, county officials said.

“Because of our cool June, this heat event may be more severe for some people because our bodies have not yet acclimated to the heat,” county officials wrote in a statement Tuesday.

The Joint Office of Homeless Services will start passing out “cooling kits” and other hot weather supplies to people living on the streets Wednesday. Officials are also checking in with people in county-funded housing to offer supplies and warn them about the heat wave.

The county’s libraries normally offer a cool refuge during the day but branches will be closed on the Fourth of July.

People looking to cool off can check the county’s cooling center map for open locations and splash pads or call 211 for resources. Shopping centers and stores may be open during the Fourth of July, but hours will vary. In Portland, Pioneer Place will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Portland officials also announced that vulnerable residents can request a free portable air conditioner or heat pump and cooling unit combo by dialing 311 or completing an online application.

Those heading to cool rivers or lakes to escape the heat should think twice before leaping in. The water will remain cold and the difference in temperature could put people into shock, making it difficult to swim and breathe.

There has been a deadly heat wave every summer since 2021, when a heat dome claimed the lives of 69 people in Multnomah County. Last summer, at least six people died from heat-related illness after a four day stretch of 100 degree weather in August.

Sustained hot weather poses risks for heat stroke, and people should monitor themselves and their neighbors for symptoms of hyperthermia including confusion, nausea and rapid breathing.

— Austin De Dios covers Multnomah County politics, programs and more. Reach him at 503-319-9744, adedios@oregonian.com or @AustinDeDios.

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