Multnomah County will reopen two daytime cooling centers from noon to 9 p.m. today, Saturday Aug. 23 in response to the highest-risk heat wave of the year. The heat has also worsened smog, with public health officials warning people to seek indoor air-conditioned spaces and limit driving and burning wood.
The cooling centers are just one part of the County’s work to offer relief as temperatures are expected to once reach 100 degrees and stay high through the middle of next week. Saturday could mark the peak of this heat wave — the second this summer, and the second in just a few weeks — with temperatures remaining elevated overnight and only expected to cool gradually in the coming days.
This heat wave will be the highest heat risk event of the year so far, because of the cumulative effects of multiple hot days in a row.
The Homeless Services Department is continuing to provide emergency street outreach services to bring supplies and cooling center information to people living outside. The cooling centers opening today will provide food and water. Pets are welcome.
One location has changed for today. The current locations for cooling centers are now:
- Multnomah County East Building, 600 N.E. 8th St., Gresham
- Friendly House, 1737 N.W. 26th Ave., Portland
Cooling centers open Friday served a cumulative total of nearly 140 people.
Three libraries will stay open two hours longer than their usual schedule Saturday, Aug. 23, until 8 p.m., offering respite from the heat:
- Central Library, 801 S.W. 10th Ave., Portland
- Gresham Library, 385 N.W. Miller Ave., Gresham
- Midland Library, 805 S.E 122nd Ave., Portland
Cooling center flyers for Saturday’s locations are available in English and 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. Saturday, TriMet won’t turn away anyone who is going to a cooling space and who cannot otherwise pay their fare. Please tell your bus operator that you’re heading to or from a cooling space.
Air quality poor; inside is safest in a cool place, avoid unnecessary driving
The heat is also driving poor air quality. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality advisory for the Portland Metro area due to high ozone levels (smog) through 10 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25.
Ozone pollution levels are high and unhealthy for sensitive groups. The Multnomah County Health Department advises that the safest place for everyone with respiratory illness is inside in air conditioning. And everyone can help improve air quality by postponing unnecessary driving, gas-powered yard work and painting until the heat wave passes.
Due to elevated ozone levels, 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. This is the first “red day” wood-burning restriction of 2025.
Chair, Mayor declare states of emergency
At a press conference on Friday, Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson and Portland Mayor Keith Wilson both declared a state of emergency due to dangerous temperatures this weekend. The emergency is in effect through 9 a.m. Monday, Aug. 25.
“This declaration gives us the flexibility and resources needed to rapidly respond to this extended period of severe weather,” Chair Vega Pederson said. “This will likely be the hottest weather and highest heat risk that Multnomah County will experience this year. Please take the health risks of this coming heat wave extremely seriously.”
Cooling centers and enhanced outreach are just one layer in the County’s response to hot weather.
Overall, dozens of other cool spaces, including pools and splashpads, are listed on this Multnomah County interactive map. For additional help finding a cool space or for transportation assistance to a cooling location, dial 2-1-1.
Cool spaces like community centers, senior centers, government buildings and malls — including Lloyd Center — will also be open and welcoming visitors.
Ahead of the heat, Multnomah County conducts outreach, calling property managers and those most vulnerable to make sure they’re prepared. The County partners with community-based organizations including Meals on Wheels People, the Center for Positive Aging and others to spread the word about heat concerns and encouraging those without air conditioning to seek cooling spaces.
The County has continued to conduct outreach to people experiencing homelessness and vulnerable clients like veterans and seniors, and has maintained work to contact building managers and community-based organizations.
Heat doesn’t affect everyone equally: Who’s most at risk?
Extreme heat can be deadly for anyone in spaces without air conditioning, and it does not affect everyone equally:
- Two out of every 3 people who have died because of extreme heat since 2021 were men over 50.
- Most lived alone and without air conditioning.
- Heat has also particularly affected veterans who may try to “tough out” a heat wave. Overall, veterans accounted for roughly half of all recent heat deaths.
High temperatures can also be especially dangerous for people spending prolonged time outdoors, the very young, pregnant individuals, those over 50 and people with health conditions.
Officials warn that the cumulative days of heat with such little overnight cooling — especially in apartments with no air conditioning — will increase risk especially for people who are homebound, elderly, have a disability or underlying health conditions.
Stay informed and check on your community
If you are concerned someone is in heat distress, ask if they need help finding a cool space.
Heat illness requires action and possibly medical attention. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. If you're not comfortable approaching someone, call the City of Portland’s non-emergency line at 503-823-3333 and request a “welfare check.” For medical emergencies, call 9-1-1.
- Help for When it's Hot: Latest information from the County on cooling centers, health and safety.
- 211 Info: Call to find the nearest cooling center and for transportation support.
- Public Alerts: Sign up to receive safety alerts in your area.
- National Weather Service: Check the forecast and plan outdoor activities for the coolest times of day.
- Aging and Disability Resource Connection: 24-hour information and assistance to older people, people with disabilities and caregivers. Connect with them at 503-988-3646 or adrc@multco.us.
###