The Willamette Valley and many parts of Oregon saw some of the some hottest weather of the summer on Sunday, with the temperatures in some areas expected to continue climbing through Tuesday.
Thermometers will be bright red throughout the state, according to the National Weather Service, which predicted highs Sunday of 103 degrees in Portland, 102 in Eugene, and 107 in Medford. Federal meteorologists said those temperatures are likely to go up from there, with highs ultimately reaching 106 in Portland, 109 in Eugene and 111 in Medford over the next few days.
There’s not likely to be a lot of relief overnight. While Eugene will dip into the mid-60s, lows in Portland and Medford are forecast to stay above 70 over the next few nights.
Options for cooling off
For help escaping the heat, people can call 211 to get information on nearby cooling centers.
Officials in Portland and Multnomah County declared an emergency starting at noon Sunday “to allow County departments and City bureaus increased flexibility to respond” to the heat, according to a press release from the county Sunday morning.
At the same time, Multnomah County announced three cooling center locations, it said would stay open until 8 p.m.:
- Old Town Cooling Center at 435 N.W. Glisan St. in Portland
- Multnomah County East building at 600 N.E. 8th St. in Gresham
- Cook Plaza, 19421 S.E. Stark St. in Gresham
County officials also noted that the Lloyd Center mall is a suitable place to stay cool, during its open hours, which were from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
In addition, the county produced a map of places to escape the hot weather, which includes libraries, community centers, as well as parks with splash pads and swimming pools. Officials warn that while people may be tempted to seek relief in waterways, such as local rivers and lakes, they should avoid the Willamette River and water near Sauvie Island, due to toxic algae blooms. The Oregon Health Authority has a list of bodies of water affected by algae blooms on its website.
Officials in other parts of Oregon have also shared lists of places to keep cool over the next few days, including Hillsboro. The Salem Reporter summarized places to cool off around Oregon’s capital city in a story published Friday. Officials in Medford have also announced plans to open a daytime cooling shelter at the former Kelly Shelter location. Lane County has released a list of cool locations in Eugene and other parts of the county.
A 2022 file photo shows a sign welcoming people to a designated North Portland cooling center. A number of communities across the state have announced designated places for people to escape the heat on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023.
Jenna Deml / OPB
Wildfire worries prompt burn bans, evacuation orders
With rising temperatures and dry conditions, state and local officials were increasingly concerned about wildfire risk.
The growth of two fires east of Eugene led officials to step up evacuation orders Sunday.
The Lookout Fire is estimated to be burning 215 acres in an area of timber and brush four miles northeast of McKenzie Bridge, a town 50 miles east of Eugene on the McKenzie River. Authorities issued a Level 2 evacuation order for homes on Taylor Rd. and North Bank Rd. in that area, which means residents should be ready to move at a moment’s notice. Level 1, or “Be Ready,” orders are in place on Highway 126 east of Blue River Reservoir Rd. to the east end of McKenzie River Dr., as well as along McKenzie River Dr. and Belknap Springs Rd.
Not far away, the Bedrock Fire has burned through more than 16,000 acres in an area 27 miles southeast of Eugene, since it initially sparked in late July. Evacuation orders are in place for people living near that fire, as well.
People living on Peninsula Road east of Timber Creek or on Big Fall Creek Road east of the intersection with Peninsula Road are under Level 2 orders.
Anyone living on Big Fall Creak Road from Winberry Creek Road to Peninsula Road are under the less urgent Level 1 order. That’s also true for people on Peninsula Road along the south of Fall Creek Reservoir to Timber Creek.
Officials say that under a Level 1 order, people who have special needs should start evacuating. People with pets and livestock should plan to do the same.
The Oregon Department of Forestry is concerned about further fire activity in the coming days as temperatures are expected to rise. Based on ODF raising fire risk levels to “extreme,” Benton County officials outlawed burns starting Saturday morning. Next door in Linn County, officials have also declared a burn ban, based on the increasing fire risk identified by state forestry officials.
The city of Salem issued a burn ban Friday which takes effect Sunday.
For Oregonians planning to escape the heat by pitching a tent at an Oregon campground, beware of fire restrictions there too. Oregon State Parks issued a fire ban for more than 120 camping areas, as well as the southern Oregon Coast from Cape Perpetua to the California border.
Editor’s Note: This story was updated Sunday morning to add cooling center information released by Multnomah County Sunday morning. It was further updated Sunday afternoon and evening with evacuation information related to the Bedrock Fire and Lookout Fire.