After a week of temperatures in the 90s and beyond, the region is expected to cool off slowly into next week. But the National Weather Service is calling for one more day of really hot weather today.
Cooling shelters will remain open until 8 p.m. at four locations Sunday for those who don’t have a way to stay cool at home:
- Charles Jordan Community Center: 9009 N. Foss Ave., Portland
- East Portland Community Center: 740 S.E. 106th Ave., Portland
- Portland Building: 1120 S.W. 5th Ave., Portland
- Sunrise Center: 18901 E. Burnside, Portland
The Old Town cooling center previously available during the heatwave is not open today. Instead, the same amount of daytime capacity has been added to the Portland Building cooling shelter today. Central Library is also open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
If someone needs a free ride to somewhere cool, call 2-1-1 or jump on a bus or MAX. TriMet will not turn away anyone riding to and from a cooling site who cannot pay fare through 10 p.m., Sunday.
About 270 people sought relief at cooling shelters overnight on Saturday, July 30, roughly 90% capacity for all four cooling shelters in Multnomah County, reflecting some additional space added over the weekend at the existing sites.
Heat risk remains high
The Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Program has reported no new suspected hyperthermia deaths since Thursday, July 29. The office has identified three suspected hyperthermia deaths since the heat wave began Sunday, July 24.
The City of Portland’s Bureau of Emergency Communications answered 40 heat-related calls Saturday, with a total of 173 heat-related calls since the heatwave began Sunday, July 24. Emergency medical services responded to 33 heat-related calls Saturday, and 132 since Sunday. Emergency Departments treated 10 people for heat illness on Saturday, and 68 people since the heatwave began.
Water safety and vigilance
Two people have died in presumed drownings, and there have been 10 water rescues since Sunday, July 24.
Area first responders are asking the public to remember: Unlike swimming pools, fresh waterways can have currents and underwater hazards. When spending time near rivers and lakes, please consider these safety tips:
- Keep a close eye on kids at all times.
- Swim and boat sober.
- Even experienced swimmers should swim with a buddy.
- Wear a well-fitting life jacket.
Life jackets are available on boat ramps on the Columbia and Willamette rivers, also at parks such as Oxbow and Glen Otto and at other Sandy River crossings. Learn more about Oregon Life Jacket Loaner Stations.
Other cool locations
Cool places in Multnomah County: Find a pool, community center, library, splash pad or misting station near you.
Libraries
Two libraries will offer extended hours until 8 p.m. Sunday, July 31:
- Gresham: 385 N.W. Miller Ave., Gresham
- Central: 801 SW 10th Ave., Portland
Find all locations and hours on the Multnomah County Library website.
Misting stations
The City of Portland is hosting misting stations from noon to 8 p.m. at six parks through Sunday, July 31:
- East Portland Community Center: 740 S.E. 106th Ave.
- Glenhaven Park, near skate park: 7900 N.E. Siskiyou St.
- Harney Park, near restroom: S,E, 67th Avenue and S,E, Harney St.
- Dawson Park: 1 N. Stanton St., Portland
- Lents Park, at Walker Stadium: 4808 S.E. 92nd Ave.
- Mt. Scott Community Center, near playgrounds: 5530 S.E. 72nd Ave.
Bookmark these links
211info: Dial 2-1-1 to find cool spaces near you and for transportation support.
National Weather Service: Check the forecast and plan outdoor activities for the coolest times of day.
Take Care When It's Hot: print heat safety posters in multiple languages.
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.
