This screen shot made at 10:30 a.m. on July 4, 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
Nearly all areas of Oregon and Southwest Washington are under a heat advisory, watch or warning from Thursday afternoon through at least Sunday.
The National Weather Service says widespread high temperatures in the triple-digits are likely, and low temperatures could stay above 70 degrees in some places.
An excessive heat warning is in place between the coast and the Cascades, with highs of up to 105 degrees expected through Monday evening. NWS warns that low temperatures, ranging from the mid-60s to low-70s, will limit the chance to recover from the heat overnight.
Matt Ellis, an employee of Hankins Hardware True Value in northeast Portland, Ore., arranges a display of air conditioners at the front of the store on July 3, 2024. With temperatures expected to reach triple digits over the holiday weekend, Ellis says he expects the store will sell out of fans and air conditioners.
Anna Lueck / OPB
Along the Columbia River Gorge and in north-central Oregon, an excessive heat warning lasts from Friday through next Thursday, with highs near 100 degrees possible and lows in the mid-60s.
Much of eastern Oregon is under an excessive heat watch that starts on Saturday and lasts through Wednesday. The NWS said the heat could break multiple daily records, with temperatures up to 110 degrees possible next week.
Officials are reminding people to drink plenty of water, stay out of the sunshine and check up on relatives and neighbors during the heat wave. Whenever possible, people are urged to stay in air-conditioned spaces. Anyone who needs help finding a cooling center can call 211 or visit 211info.org.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek says the state’s Department of Emergency Management will convene its emergency coordination center during the heat wave. State agencies have been working with local officials to open additional cooling centers to the public.
Staying safe and cool
On Friday, Multnomah County will open three daytime cooling centers at noon and extend hours until 9 p.m. at the Central and Gresham libraries.
The trio of cooling centers are all east of the Willamette River and will be open until 10 p.m. Their locations are:
- Cook Plaza, 19421 Southeast Stark Street, Gresham
- Portland Covenant Church, 4046 Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland
- The Hugo, 6221 Northeast 82nd Avenue, PortlandAdditional cool spaces in the county are listed on a map of splash pads and other sites.
For anyone in need of a ride to a cooling center starting at 10 a.m. Friday, TriMet will provide free transport.
How large outdoor events are responding
Because it’s the Fourth of July weekend, many open air large events are happening in Portland to capitalize on the sunny season. But with dangerously high temperatures expected, here’s how some of them are taking action.
- Waterfront Blues Festival, Thursday through Sunday
In response to the triple-digit forecast, the Waterfront Blues Festival has partnered with the nearby Marriott hotel to operate a “chill center.” Attendees will also be allowed to bring personal sized umbrellas – but no larger – as a means for shade. - Portland Craft Beer Festival, Thursday through Saturday
The annual festival stated on its Instagram page that they will provide the following ways to beat the heat: “Splashpads, misters, covered seating, shaded trees and cold beers.” - Soccer matches at Providence Park, Friday through Sunday
As of Thursday morning, no heat-related announcements had been made for the Thorns match on Friday. A heat advisory was issued by the Timbers for the men’s matches Saturday and Sunday. Under the advisory, soccer fans at Providence Park may bring in sealed sports drinks, bottled water or empty water bottles. The guest services center at the stadium will also have a cooling station, medic team and water and ice available. - Portland Saturday Market, Saturday and Sunday
The market had not released any statements on the weekend heat as of Thursday morning. One aspect of the market that’s an option for cooling off is the Bill Naito Legacy Fountain, a popular spot for children to splash in.