Multnomah County and the City of Portland are offering additional options for people to find relief from today’s triple-digit forecast.
With community partners Do Good Multnomah and Cultivate Initiatives, Multnomah County and the City are opening two daytime cooling spaces from 2 to 10 p.m. Both sites are pet-friendly and will provide food, water, cooling items and places to rest. Anyone who needs a free ride to a cool space can dial 2-1-1. Masks are required and offered on site.
- Medford Building cooling center in Old Town, staffed by Do Good Multnomah: 435 N.W. Glisan St., Portland.
- Sunrise Center in East Portland, staffed by Cultivate Initiatives: 18901 E. Burnside, Portland.
In addition, Lloyd Center has extended its hours until 10 p.m.
Two County libraries will also offer extended hours until 8 p.m. today. Other libraries are open as usual. To find the most up-to-date list of library locations and hours, go to multcolib.org/hours-and-locations. (Remember: Central Library remains closed for renovations.)
- Midland: 805 S.E. 122nd Ave., Portland
- Gresham: 385 N.W. Miller Ave., Gresham
Find other cooling options open today on Multnomah County’s interactive map.
In addition, outreach teams of partners of the Joint Office of Homeless Services and mutual aid groups fanned out Saturday and today to deliver water, cooling kits and other relief to people experiencing homelessness.
Highs forecast to reach 100 degrees
Cooling options were expanded after the National Weather Service issued a Heat Advisory beginning at noon today and lasting until 8 p.m. Monday. Temperatures are expected to be at or near 100 degrees Sunday and remain in the 90s Monday, returning to more typical summer temperatures in the 80s on Tuesday. Unlike the late July heat event, this heat wave is shorter, with cooler nighttime temperatures. In addition, because this shorter heat wave comes later in the summer, health officials said, people’s bodies and behavior have acclimated more, which helps limit health risks.
Risk of heat-related illness remains, however, especially for the very young and older people, people with health conditions, and people who work or live outside . The City of Portland’s Bureau of Emergency Communications answered seven heat-related calls Saturday, with one person transported. Hospitals remain busy.
COVID-19 is also still spreading in our community. To limit the spread of the virus, staff and guests at the Medford Building and Sunrise Center will be required to wear masks. Staff will work to accommodate guests who might need assistance with wearing a mask. Masks are available on site.
Mandatory burn ban in Multnomah County
Multnomah County Environmental Health also today issued a Yellow Day advisory due to air quality that affects sensitive groups. This comes at the same time the Multnomah County Fire Defense Board has issued a mandatory burn ban in all areas of Multnomah County. Until further notice, this includes recreational campfires, fire pits, yard debris, agricultural burning and permits issued for open burning. Use extreme caution when cooking outside.
Take care of yourself and others
Even in a shorter heat event, officials urge friends and family to check in on people who are older, live alone or don't have air conditioning.
People need breaks from the heat to give their bodies time to recover. Now is the time to invite that person to a movie or the mall, or an air-conditioned restaurant, or spend time in a local library. Offer a ride to a cooling space for anyone who doesn’t have AC at home.
Share this page with updated information on cooling centers, shelters and other cool spaces: multco.us/hot
The Multnomah County Behavioral Health Call Center is also available 24 hours a day to support anyone experiencing distress or to support those helping someone else. That includes responding to heat-related welfare checks, as well as resources and referrals for further support. Just dial 503-988-4888 (or toll-free at 800-716-9769; those who are hearing impaired can dial 7-1-1).
If you see someone about whom you are concerned, call the non-emergency response line at 503-823-3333 and request a welfare check.
If you see a person outside during the heat of the day who looks disoriented or confused, don’t assume that person is intoxicated. Those are also signs of heat stroke, which can be deadly. Symptoms could include increased irritability, worry and stress, stumbling or an appearance of intoxication.
If someone’s life appears to be in danger, call 9-1-1.
Bookmark these links
2-1-1info: Dial 2-1-1 to find a cool space nearest you and to learn about transportation options.
National Weather Service: Check the forecast and plan outdoor activities for the coolest times of day.
Cool places in Multnomah County: Find a library, community center, pool or splash pad near you.
Cool places in Clackamas County: Find cool spaces in Clackamas County.
Cool places in Washington County: Find cool spaces in Washington County.
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