Warming trend returns for Labor Day weekend

With temperatures expected to soar into the mid-90s this Labor Day weekend, officials are reminding people to take extra precautions to stay cool.

According to the National Weather Service, much of Northwest Oregon, including the Portland metro area, will see above-normal temperatures. Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-90s on Friday and Saturday.

Adam Batz, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said the warmer temperatures could come as a surprise to some being that August has so far seen cooler weather.

While this weekend’s weather isn’t extreme enough for the agency to issue an advisory or warning, Batz said it’s still a good reminder for people to take extra precautions if they plan to be outside.

“It can sneak up on you if you’re not prepared for it,” Batz said. “The recommendations there are to have plenty of water and to take frequent breaks if you’re working outside or doing recreation outside.”

Chris Voss is the Director of Emergency Management for Multnomah County. He’s also advising people to drink plenty of fluids, limit their time outside and wear appropriate clothing.

“If you have someone in your family that is a little bit more sensitive to heat this is the time to, sort of, make a phone call and check on people and see how they’re doing,” Voss said.

As of Wednesday, Voss said the county wasn’t planning to open its cooling centers as heat risk remains moderate. But that could change.

A few thresholds must be met before the county can open its cooling shelters, he said. Those thresholds are based on the National Weather Service’s heat risk assessment tool, a color-numeric-basic index that identifies potential heat dangers.

If conditions worsen, Voss said the county will reevaluate and adjust as needed.

In the meantime, he said they will continue to monitor the warm front alongside forecasters and other community partners.

According to the National Weather Service, overnight temperatures are expected to dip into the 60s.