A devastating heat wave that swept across Oregon last week has claimed the lives of ten individuals, suspected to have succumbed to heat-related illnesses. The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s office confirmed that six people in Multnomah County and one individual from Clackamas County, who was transported to a Portland hospital, died due to heat-related causes. Additionally, Washington, Coos, Klamath, and Jackson counties each reported a death linked to the extreme heat. Close to 20 people have been reported since July 15.
Southern Oregon experienced scorching temperatures, with some areas reaching a blistering 110 degrees. The victims ranged in age, with seven being at least 64 years old, while the remaining three were men aged 33 and 27.
The peak of the heat wave saw Portland break its temperature record for July 9, reaching a sweltering 104 degrees. Salem and Eugene also shattered their previous records, reaching 106 degrees and enduring their longest stretch of consecutive triple-digit days. Although temperatures in the Portland area are expected to dip into the low 90s for the rest of the week, it is still relatively high for the region, which typically experiences temperatures in the 80s during this time of year.
This heat wave has proven to be one of the most significant in Oregon’s history, with numerous regions breaking temperature records. As of Tuesday, the state has either tied or broken an astonishing 285 high-temperature records. While temperatures are gradually cooling in northwest Oregon, eastern and southern parts of the state will continue to endure triple-digit temperatures through Saturday, according to weather forecasts.
Amidst the scorching conditions, reports of water rescues have emerged as Oregonians seek refuge in rivers and lakes to cool off. The Oregon State Medical Examiner, Dr. Larry Alviz, advises caution and recommends taking extra precautions, such as wearing life jackets. Diving into frigid water can induce shock in the body and potentially lead to hypothermia.
