By rssfeeds-admin 
As the city approaches triple-digit temperatures, the National Weather Service issued a Heat Advisory through 10 p.m. A KOIN 6 Weather Alert also remains in place as above-average temperatures increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Experts recommend staying hydrated and avoiding outdoor activity during the peak of the heat until temperatures cool back down this evening.
Despite the high temps, cooling centers in Multnomah County remain closed.
“In this event here, we’re just not seeing the heat risk,” said Chris Voss, the emergency management director for Multnomah County. “Getting data from things like emergency room visits yesterday for heat, we’re still less than five visits, so we’re pretty much on the low end. So, we haven’t seen that build up as much.”
However, there are still plenty of spaces to cool off in the area thanks to the county’s many public libraries and the city’s splash pads. A complete map of these community spaces can be found via the Multnomah County website.
Multnomah County Homeless Services also activated its severe weather outreach program this week to provide hundreds of electrolyte packets, sunscreen, cooling towels, and more to those in need.
However, many people experiencing homelessness are feeling the impacts from the heat.
“This heat, it’s a lot worse because of the moisture. I just can’t handle it. It’s too much,” said J Weese, just one of approximately 14,000 experiencing homelessness.
Meanwhile, long-term shade is the focus of a new metro project over on 82nd and Division Street.
“On hot days like today, parts of east Portland and many parts of our region that don’t have trees, don’t have parks. They’re often 20 degrees hotter than other parts of our region, and that is a public health hazard,” said Metro Councilor Duncan Hwang.
In an effort to save lives, Hwang says they are partnering with the US Environmental Protection Agency to cool down some of the city’s hottest stretches known as “urban heat islands.”
“In 2021, during the heat dome, 100 Oregonians lost their lives. So, we want to take care of our community and make sure that folks can go outside and enjoy shade and not have that extreme heat,” he said.
If you or someone you know seems to be suffering from a severe heat-related illness, be sure to move to a cooler place, remove extra clothing, and drink water (if possible). If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911.
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