Multnomah County leaders prep for summer after 2024’s record-breaking heat

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The days are getting warmer as we approach the summer season, and officials are looking back on the extreme temperatures of 2024 to prepare for what’s next. 

According to Multnomah County, summer 2024 was North America’s hottest year on record — impacting the region with record-breaking highs in May and July while the month of September came up close.

Data show that Multnomah County experienced at least nine major heat events in 2024 with extreme temperatures lasting more than two days in a row. Some of these events met the “major risk” standards set by the National Weather Service.

For example, Portland saw its hottest July on record last year after experiencing an average temperature of 74.5 degrees. That’s nearly 4.5 degrees above the average of 70.2 degrees. The biggest culprit was the heat wave early in the month. The city broke records five days in a row as temperatures sat above 100 degrees for three days.

Excessive temperatures throughout the season led to at least four deaths, 18 hospitalizations, and 170 emergency and urgent care visits in 2024, the county said. It also saw an overall increase in how many people sought care for dehydration, acute kidney failure, and emotional volatility such as aggression or sleep disruption.

And as people sought relief from the heat by visiting one of the county’s many rivers. However, an increase in water recreation also comes with an increased risk for drowning.

Officials report at least two drowning deaths in 2024, which is a decrease from the previous five-year average of three deaths per year. In addition, there were 13 emergency room visits for those who nearly drowned.

Multnomah County shared that it made efforts to expand public access to cooling centers and other resources like air conditioning and “cooling kits.” Those in need of a new A/C unit can call 311 or speak to a doctor about local resources. 

“All of these programs that the city, the state and the county are all working on together have really improved the access to air conditioning for vulnerable populations,” Multnomah County Emergency Management Director Chris Voss told KOIN 6 last July.

In preparation for this year’s summer heat, the county also plans to address standards for workers who work in hot conditions, including construction and warehouse workers as well as restaurant staff.

So far, summer-like heat broke a record in March as highs soared to about 80 degrees on March 25. The old record a 74-degree day last set in 1966.