This screen shot made at 10 a.m. on July 2, 2024, from the National Weather Service's hazards and warnings map shows the areas where extreme heat are expected over the coming days in Oregon and Southwest Washington.
Courtesy National Weather Service
The National Weather Service has put most of western Oregon and Southwest Washington under an excessive heat watch from Thursday afternoon to Sunday evening.
Temperatures are expected to reach triple-digits starting Friday, and could possibly reach 105-110 degrees in some locations during the peak of the heat wave on Saturday.
🔥🌡️Forecast models are trending HOTTER Friday into this weekend, with many now calling for dangerous heat inland.
— NWS Portland (@NWSPortland) July 2, 2024
NOW is the time to think about how you will stay cool during this heat wave. We all learned in June 2021 how deadly excess heat can be. #pdxtst #orwx #wawx pic.twitter.com/vymFEKrhHb
In southern Oregon, areas of Klamath and Lake counties could also reach 100 degrees.
Power companies are focused on keeping people cool, while staying mindful of increased wildfire risks.
Pacific Power spokesperson Kim Lippert says the company is prepared for the heat wave and does not predict a need for shutoffs.
“We are going to be monitoring our substations and circuits and address any issues that might come up immediately. However, as I said, we are well positioned to meet summer customer demand we plan for this every year,” said Lippert.
To stay cool and use less energy, Lippert advises people to set thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, open windows in the morning and evening to let in cool air and use fans to circulate air.
Portland General Electric will send out a press release detailing its plans Wednesday morning.
Following Oregon’s deadly heat dome event in 2021, over 9,000 free air conditioning units have been installed across Portland.
Ahead of the potential heat wave this weekend, city officials continue to partner with nonprofits to send out free AC units to people most at risk during extreme heat, which include low-income and BIPOC communities.
It’s part of the Cooling Portland program.
According to the program’s dashboard, over 2,000 AC units have been installed so far this year.
People can apply for a unit by visiting the city of Portland website or by calling 311.
Officials are hoping to install 15,000 by the end of 2026.
During the weekend’s expected tripe-digit heat, people are urged to check on friends, family and neighbors who live alone or may not have access to air conditioning.
Officials also recommend drinking fluids, staying out of the sun and not leaving young children or pets in unattended vehicles.
Temperatures are expected to drop back into the low 90s by Monday.
