Multnomah County health officials say a third person has died in this week’s extreme heat.
County leaders released few details, but say the person was found dead in Northeast Portland Wednesday when the temperature was 102 degrees.
It’s the third suspected heat-related death during this week’s temperature spike. County officials say more investigation is needed to confirm that the three deaths were because of the heat.
Multnomah County counted at least five heat-related deaths last year. In 2021, 96 people died statewide during an unprecedented heat dome.
Multnomah County found that most of those who died locally during the heat dome crisis were older, lived alone and had no air conditioning.
In addition to the extreme heat this week, people in many parts of the Pacific Northwest have dealt with unhealthy air due to both hot weather and wildfire smoke.
