Dangerously hot weather conditions will settle over the Vancouver-Portland area today, along with the foothills and the Willamette Valley in Oregon, according to the National Weather Service in Portland. Much of Western Washington and Oregon will remain under an excessive heat warning through 11 p.m. Wednesday
Afternoon temperatures are expected between 96 and 106 degrees today with highs between 98 and 105 on Tuesday and 95 to 101 on Wednesday. NWS Portland said urban cores such as Portland and Eugene, Ore., can expect the warmest temperatures. Overnight lows are expected in the 60 or 70s.
Sunday’s high at Pearson Airport and at Portland International Airport was 100 degrees.
Red flag warning
The Clark County lowlands are also under a red flag warning until 11 p.m. tonight.
“Conditions may be favorable for rapid fire spread which may threaten life and property. Use extra caution with potential ignition sources, especially in grassy areas,” according to NWS Portland, with wind gusts up to 25 mph. A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. The conditions can contribute to extreme fire behavior.
The red flag warning also applies to parts of the Willamette Valley.
Health impacts
Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, according to NWS, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.
Knowing the signs of heat-related illness is important, according to
Clark County Public Health. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment isn’t provided. Here are the warning signs of heat stroke:
- Body temperature above 103 degrees
- Red, hot and dry skin (no sweating)
- Rapid pulse
- Throbbing headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Confusion
Call 911 if you see these signs. While you wait for medical help, place the person in distress in a bath or cool shower or spray the person with cool water from a garden hose. Do not give the person fluids to drink.
City and county personnel should refer people seeking cooling spaces to the housing hotline at 360-695-9677. Additional cooling spaces may open during severe weather. Additional resources and increased shelter capacity are being activated.
Where can you go to cool off?
Indoor community centers:
- Firstenburg Community Center: 700 N.E. 136th Ave., Vancouver. Hours: 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; closed Sundays/holidays.
- Marshall Community Center: 1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver. 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; closed Sundays/holidays.
Indoor cooling spaces, no referral needed:
Libraries
Public cooling spaces with shade and restroom access. No referrals needed and open dawn to dusk:
- Bagley Community Park: 4607 Plomondon St., Vancouver.
- Burnt Bridge Creek Trail: restrooms at trailheads.
- David Douglas Park: 1016 N. Garrison Road, Vancouver.
- Esther Short Park: West Eighth and Columbia streets, Vancouver.
- Fisher Basin Community Park: Southeast 192nd Avenue and Mill Plain Boulevard.
- Leroy Haagen Memorial Park: Northeast Ninth Street, Vancouver.
- Leverich Park: 4400 N.E. Leverich Park Way, Vancouver.
- Marine Park boat launch: 4501 S.E. Columbia Way, Vancouver.
- Marshall Park: 1069 E. McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver.
- Memory/Mill Plain Park: Ballfields by the old Vancouver Public Library on Mill Plain; also free Wi-Fi signal there.
- Nikkei Park: 5009 N.E. 135th Ave., Vancouver.
- Vancouver Waterfront Park/Portland Loos (open 24/7): 695 Waterfront Way, Vancouver.
- Wintler Park: 6400 Beach Drive, Vancouver.
