Oregon City Weather Forecast: Heat Dome Returns Prompting Warnings

OREGON CITY, OR — The heat will be on this weekend and county officials said that people to be careful. Almost exactly one year after the region was hit by a heat wave that left dozens of people dead in its wake, another heat dome is expected to arrive starting Saturday and last through at least Monday, officials said.

Unlike last year's dome — which sent temperatures soaring above 100 degrees for three straight days and even hit 117 degrees before finally starting to cool off — this weekend's event is only supposed to bring highs in the 90s, according to county officials.

Many of last year's deaths were blamed in part on the large number of people who had no air conditioning, people whose families or neighbors might not have checked on them.

"I worry about the people who can't escape the heat," Multnomah County Health Officer Jennifer Vines said. "Outdoor workers, people who are homeless, people who are older, live alone and without air conditioning."

Because the rising temperatures are again happening so early in the season, officials warn people to take extra care because their bodies have not had a chance to make the transition and adapt. Officials said because it seems like spring had just really arrived last week, people forget just how dangerous the heat can be and forget to bring water on walks and take breaks while outside.

Officials urge people to prepare by taking several steps:

• Get a fan or other cooling unit and make sure it works.
• Reach out to family, friends and neighbors who might be at risk; make a plan to check in with them.
• If you have any windows that receive direct sunlight, close curtains and blinds or take another step to cover the window; do it early in the day.
• Consider going to a place that will be cool such as a library, movie theater and community enter.
• Try to limit your time outside, particularly on Sunday when the temperature is expected to near 100.
• Drink plenty of water.

One bit of good news is that the air quality this weekend is expected to be good throughout the region, according to state environmental officials.

County officials also suggest bookmarking several sites for more information, including:

• 2-1-1 info: Call to find the cooling center nearest you, when cooling centers are open, and for transportation support.
• Public Alerts: Sign up to receive health and safety alerts in your area.
• National Weather Service: Check the forecast and plan outdoor activities for the coolest times of day.
• Heat Risk Map: The National Weather Service has an updated map that forecasts heat risk for vulnerable populations.

All three counties in the region have web pages dedicated to tips and information about coping with extreme heat:

• Multnomah County
• Clackamas County
• Washington County