Multnomah County, Ore. (Aug. 12, 2025) — Multnomah County will reopen three daytime cooling centers from noon to 9 p.m. today, Tuesday, Aug. 12 — after a night and early morning with little cooling, and with forecasts once again showing temperatures pushing 100 degrees.
Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson yesterday declared a state of emergency due to dangerously high temperatures, and that state of emergency will continue today.
The cooling centers will provide food and water. No one will be turned away, and pets are welcome. The Homeless Services Department will also continue its ongoing emergency street outreach response to bring supplies and cooling center information to people living outside.
Cooling centers, libraries and community resources open
Cooling centers are also just one layer in a response to hot weather that began last week once forecasts made clear that the threat of dangerous heat was looming. Overall, dozens of cool spaces, including pools and splashpads, are listed on this Multnomah County interactive map.
Today, cool spaces like community centers, government buildings and malls — including Lloyd Center — will also be open and welcoming visitors. And all active libraries in Multnomah County today will be open until 8 p.m., and offering respite from the heat, as part of their regular operations.
From 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. today, 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 center.
For help finding a cool space or for transportation assistance to a cooling location, dial 2-1-1.
Three cooling centers will be open from noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12:
- Gateway Church, 13300 N.E. San Rafael St., Portland, operated by Cultivate Initiatives
- Congregation Beth Israel, 1972 N.W. Flanders St., Portland, operated by Do Good Multnomah
- Portland Covenant Church, 4046 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland, operated by Multnomah County
Cooling center flyers for Tuesday’s locations are available in English and Spanish.
On Monday, a cumulative total of 95 people came to the three cooling centers. Four libraries that extended their hours from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., meanwhile, served a total of 260 people in that two-hour span. 211info received more than 30 calls and arranged transportation for five people.
Health Department officials reported that heat-related emergency department visits remained elevated Monday, at seven. Sunday’s total was also revised upward from six to eight. And 911 calls remained elevated Monday, approaching 400, including 11 heat-related dispatches.
During emergency activations, the Medical Examiner’s Office reports any suspected heat- or cold-related deaths. As of Monday, the Medical Examiner reported there were no suspected heat-related deaths that have occurred during the declared state of emergency. The County will issue a news release if that changes and any suspected deaths are reported.
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.
Ongoing outreach to building managers and people without shelter
Cooling centers will remain open as long as conditions warrant. Additional spaces may open, and locations and hours may change, in response to evolving forecasts. Always visit multco.us/hot for the latest information.
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.
Multnomah County also distributed cooling kits, with cooling towels and safety information, to community-based organizations and partners at community events, libraries and apartment communities in high-risk areas.
Before an emergency is declared, the County also holds daily coordination calls with over 140 staff and partners from cities and agencies to consider opening cooling centers. Those calls include detailed briefings from the National Weather Service.
All year, multiple County programs have worked to build heat resilience in the community. The Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Justice Grant, which the federal government terminated in March, funded heat pump installation and tree plantings in low-income households in the urban heat islands in Rockwood.
Air conditioning saves lives
“It’s going to be dangerously hot the next few days, and we want to make sure people in our community are staying safe by avoiding heat and checking on neighbors and loved ones who may be at increased risk of heat-related illness,” said Health Officer Dr. Richard Bruno.
While the heat risk to people living outside is well understood, almost all heat deaths in Multnomah County since 2021 have been people who died at home. Heat is especially dangerous for people over 50, young children and people with health conditions such as heart disease. Most Multnomah County heat-related deaths during the 2021 heat dome and subsequent heat waves involved men over 50 who lived alone without air conditioning or did not use it.
Dr. Bruno urged everyone to drink more water and seek air-conditioned spaces for relief. “Air conditioning is very protective against heat and could save your life,” he said. “If you’re worried about the cost, think of it as an investment in your health, or reach out to 2-1-1 to learn about utility assistance programs.”
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.