Updated Tuesday, July 21, at 10:43 a.m.
Multnomah County and its partners will open one daytime cooling center from noon to 9 p.m. today, Tuesday, July 21, to provide relief from the dangerous heat.
The one cooling center open today from noon to 9 p.m. is:
- Bud Clark Commons, 650 N.W. Irving St., Portland, operated by Transition Projects
The cooling center opening today will provide snacks and water. Pets are welcome.
ALSO OPEN: This additional site joins dozens of cooling spaces already open, including libraries, community centers, misting stations, fountains, pools, splash pads and malls. All open libraries have regular hours today and will be open until 8 p.m. tonight, Tuesday, July 21, offering bottled water and respite from the heat. Remember that some libraries are closed for construction.
Flyers with Tuesday’s cooling center locations can be downloaded and printed/distributed:
- Flyer with map of location - English
- Flyer with map of location - Spanish
- Flyer with photos of building entrance - English
- Flyer with photos of building entrance - Spanish
- Two-sided flyer (map on one side, photos of building entrance on other) - English
- Two-sided flyer (map on one side, photos of building entrance on other) - Spanish
Always visit multco.us/hot for the latest information in case new locations are added or cooling centers open on additional days.
From 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday, TriMet won’t turn away anyone who is going to a cooling center who cannot otherwise pay their fare. Please tell your bus operator you are heading to or from a cooling center. If someone needs help finding a cool space today or for transportation assistance to a cooling location, they can dial 2-1-1 between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m.
County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson declared a state of emergency Tuesday, July 21, that lasts through at least 10 p.m. Tuesday, July 21.
Take steps to stay safe in the heat
Community members are advised to take care when working or playing outside in the midday heat. Remember to drink more water and take cooling breaks. People attending outdoor events under the sun, as well as those without indoor cooling, are especially encouraged to be mindful of heat safety the next few days. If you have access to air conditioning, consider keeping your home around 78 degrees F. Check with utility companies to learn about assistance with energy bills.
Check in on your neighbors, friends and relatives and make a plan for visiting a cool location, even for a few hours.
Learn about the symptoms of heat illness and how to respond. This information and printable materials are available in English, Spanish (español), Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt), Russian (Русский), Chinese (中文), Arabic (العربية), Somali (Soomaali) and Ukrainian (Українська).
If you plan to seek relief from the heat in waterways, please swim and splash safely. Be aware of swift currents, cold water temperatures, hidden hazards and uneven bottom surfaces.
Heat worsens air pollution
Elevated heat worsens air pollution, causing air pollution to accumulate and create ground-level ozone (also known as smog). To protect public health, the Health Department is issuing a mandatory wood burning restriction for residents in Multnomah County. The restriction comes alongside the Multnomah County Fire Defense Board-issued burn bans for fire safety since June 15, 2026.
The Health Department’s burn restriction goes into effect at noon July 21, and will be lifted when conditions improve. Recreational fires, agricultural burning and backyard burning are not allowed. These restrictions do not apply to cooking, but residents are encouraged to stay alert and use caution. If you are experiencing symptoms such as difficulty breathing or worsened asthma symptoms, use your inhalers as directed and contact your health care provider.
Health officials emphasize that managing extreme heat remains the top priority, as overheating is more dangerous than smoke exposure for most vulnerable individuals. There are actions you can take to protect yourself and your family from heat and smoke. Residents should check air quality before opening doors or windows and adjust or limit outdoor activities. Cool, clean indoor air is the best way to protect yourself. For more tips, visit multco.us/smoke.
Certain groups more at risk of heat-related illness
Now is the time to make a plan for pets, children, adults 50 years or older, and those with medical conditions, all of whom are more vulnerable to heat illness. Those facing the highest risk of heat-related illness include:
- Men over 50 who live alone
- People without access to air conditioning
- Pregnant people
- People on certain medications
- People who work in hot indoor or outdoor environments
- People engaging in strenuous or outdoor recreational activities (especially children on turf fields)
- People who have consumed alcohol
Worker safety
People who work outside are encouraged to drink plenty of water and take breaks in the shade. Under Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (Oregon OSHA) rules, outdoor workers are entitled to shade, breaks and water. Employers are responsible to protect their workers. Oregon OSHA has more information for workers about their rights under state law.
Know your rights during extreme heat events
State rules protect against electricity service disconnections during extreme heat. This means Portland General Electric (PGE) and Pacific Power cannot disconnect you the day before a severe heat alert, during the alert and for 48 hours after the alert ends.
Severe heat alerts include Heat Advisories, Extreme Heat Watches and Extreme Heat Warnings. Learn more about your protections and how to contact your provider if your power is disconnected.
Support our community
Interested in supporting our community during future heat events? Prepare now to help out as an Emergency Shelter Volunteer if Multnomah County opens cooling centers or shelters (Disaster Resource Centers) and requests help from community volunteers. Find an upcoming info session or training.
Consider hosting a misting station. Or work with the Office of Emergency Management to create a Disaster Resource Center.
Bookmark these links
- National Weather Service: Check the forecast and plan outdoor activities for the coolest times of day.
- Heat Risk Map: The National Weather Service forecasts heat risk for vulnerable populations.
- 211info: Dial 2-1-1 to find a cool space nearest you and to learn about transportation options.
- Public Alerts: Sign up to receive health and safety alerts in your area.
- Clackamas County: Find cool spaces in Clackamas County.
- Washington County: Find cool spaces in Washington County.
- Aging and Disability Resource Connection: 24-hour information and assistance for older people, people with disabilities and caregivers. Connect with them at 503-988-3646 or adrc@multco.us.
