PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Dangerous heat is coming to Oregon this weekend, and the state’s office of emergency management wants you to be prepared.

The National Weather Service issued an Extreme Heat Watch for much of the Portland metro area from Friday through Sunday evening. Meanwhile, southwest Oregon was issued an Excessive Heat Warning from Friday afternoon through 8 p.m. Monday.

In Multnomah County, workers are already hitting the streets with cooling supplies and connecting vulnerable residents to air conditioners. Though the temperatures don’t meet the county’s threshold to open cooling centers, they’re still advising people to make plans for staying cool and check on vulnerable neighbors.

How to Stay Cool

The City of Beaverton announced Thursday that it plans to open an after-hours cooling center at the Beaverton City Library Main (12375 SW Fifth St.) from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 

Regular cooling hours will also remain open at Beaverton City Library Main and Murray Scholls Branch (11200 SW Murray Scholls Pl., Suite 102) during normal hours.

As of Thursday afternoon, Multnomah County officials do not plan to open cooling centers to those looking to beat the heat, as current forecasted temperatures have not reached county thresholds to do so. 

Without access to a cooling center, there are still several ways to cool off. Residents in Multnomah County are encouraged to find splash pads or libraries near them via the county’s interactive cooling map.

“This is the kind of event that will be longer and more severe than basically anything we’ve experienced this summer,” said Multnomah County Healthy Homes and Communities Manager Brendon Haggerty.

Officials said there are serious health risks for anyone caught in the three-day period of extreme heat within the Portland metro region, but especially so for the thousands of people expected to flock to outdoor events like the Hood to Coast relay race this weekend.

“All these outdoor events are places where people will have a lot of exposure to heat. We need to make sure that both the organizers and the attendants and participants are making lots of plans to stay safe,” Haggerty said.

Making activity plans for earlier in the day, bringing extra water and taking plenty of breaks are all recommended ways to say cool, as is heading to a local library to beat the heat in A.C.

Mark Depot has been experiencing homelessness for roughly 20 years. He told KOIN 6 News he thinks the county should open the cooling centers now. He said he stays cool by dipping in the river, even though it’s “not super clean”

He said that while workers have offered him water, he worries for others without phone or internet who could miss the memo if cooling centers do open later on.

“If it’s going to be over 100 degrees out, that’s hot, so you’ve got to let them know,” Depot said.

The office of emergency management also recommends the following:

• ​Drink water regularly and avoid sugary or alcoholic beverages.
• Wear lightweight, breathable clothing.
• Take cool showers or spend time in air-conditioned environments.
• Keep windows closed during the day and open at night if air quality allows.
• Never leave children, adults, or pets in parked vehicles.
• Limit physical activity during peak heat hours.

Here’s what it means to be under a “warning,” “watch,” or “advisory,” per NWS guidelines.

Warnings, Watches & Advisories

Extreme Heat Warning: Extremely dangerous heat is expected or occurring. Avoid outdoor activities, especially midday. Stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces, drink plenty of water, and check on family and neighbors.

Extreme Heat Watch: Extreme heat is possible in the future. Prepare to suspend outdoor activities and identify nearby cooling shelters or friends/family with AC. 

Heat Advisory: Heat will be dangerous but may not reach warning levels. Limit time outdoors, especially during the hottest part of the day, and stay in cool spaces as much as possible.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue our hot weather coverage.