This year is going to be another scorcher. Portland looks like it will be dealing with record-breaking temperatures again. The deadly heat wave of 2021 is not being taken lightly. Over the weekend, experts say that the conditions were similar to last year. The National Weather Service in Portland issued a heat advisory for Western Oregon and Southwest Washington as temperatures broke 90 degrees for the first time this year.
Seniors and poor people has been the focus when the heat is high. Last summer, Portland launched a heat response program with the goal of installing portable heat pump and cooling units in low-income households. Residents who are older and live alone are at the top of the list as well as those with underlying health conditions.
Last year many groups came together to help in the heat. The local nonprofits participating in the program installed more than 3,000 units. This saved lives. Portland’s high-temperature record for May 13 fell Saturday when Portland International Airport hit 93 degrees, beating the record of 92 degrees set in 1973. People are advised to:
-Stay hydrated
-Limit time outdoors between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
-Stay in a cool place during peak heat
More is being done to prevent heat-related tragidies similar to last year. Multnomah County says it is unveiling a new tool to assess heat vulnerabilities within the community. This new too will come in the form of an interactive map that tracks areas where people are most at risk during extreme heat.
Officials in Multnomah County, home to Portland, said they weren’t planning on opening special cooling centers for now but are monitoring the forecast and can do so if needed. The National Weather Service said the temperatures could raise the risk of heat-related illness, particularly for those who are dehydrated or don’t have effective cooling.
