Multnomah County declared a state of emergency and opened three daytime cooling centers as an oppressive heatwave pushes Portland-area temperatures toward 100 degrees.
Forecasts call for highs near 100 on Monday with little overnight relief, prompting county officials to make three pet-friendly cooling centers available from noon to 9 p.m. Officials say they will keep the centers open “as long as conditions warrant” and will reopen them on subsequent days if dangerously high temperatures persist, though no decision has been made about Tuesday yet. The county did not open cooling centers Sunday despite temperatures reaching as high as 99 degrees.
To expand options for people seeking relief, Multnomah County extended evening hours at several libraries — Albina, Central, Gresham and Midland — which will remain open until 8 p.m. TriMet is offering free rides to anyone traveling to or from a cooling location between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m.; regular fares apply for other trips. Anyone who needs help arranging transportation can call 211. The county also publishes a map of cooling centers, libraries, pools and splashpads to help residents find nearby options.
Neighboring counties have also activated heat-relief services. Clackamas County opened cooling centers in Oregon City, Canby, Sandy and Estacada; Father’s Heart Street Ministry in Oregon City will remain open overnight. Washington County extended library hours in cities including Beaverton, Tigard and Hillsboro and offers an online map of refuge locations.
Why overnight temperatures matter
High nighttime temperatures prevent the body from recovering from daytime heat exposure, increasing the risk of heat-related illness — particularly for seniors, young children, people with chronic health conditions, and those without air conditioning. That’s why officials open cooling centers when forecasts show prolonged heat with elevated overnight lows and when local heat-risk tools indicate some neighborhoods will be disproportionately affected.
What to look for and what to do
– Watch for symptoms of heat-related illness: confusion, nausea, rapid breathing, lightheadedness, heavy sweating or lack of sweating, muscle cramps, and fainting. Heat stroke is a medical emergency.
– Check on neighbors, friends and family who may lack air conditioning, especially older adults and people with underlying health conditions.
– Stay hydrated, limit strenuous activity during the hottest hours, wear lightweight clothing, and seek shaded or air-conditioned spaces when possible.
– Cooling centers are pet-friendly, but owners should bring water for their animals and keep pets monitored.
Additional practical tips
– Use public cooling resources such as libraries, pools and splashpads if available.
– Arrange transportation to centers using TriMet’s free rides to cooling locations or by calling 211 for assistance.
– If you must be outdoors, take frequent breaks, use sun protection, and avoid midday exertion.
Summary
Multnomah County has opened three daytime, pet-friendly cooling centers and extended library hours as Portland faces a heatwave forecast to reach about 100 degrees, with TriMet offering free rides to cooling sites. Neighboring counties have also expanded cooling resources. Officials urge residents to check on vulnerable people, watch for heat-illness symptoms, and take steps to stay cool.
Commentary and hopeful note
The rapid activation of cooling centers, extended library hours and transit support shows coordinated local response to protect residents. These community resources and mutual-aid actions — neighbors checking on one another and organizations keeping spaces open — reduce heat risk and demonstrate resilience in extreme weather.