Portland woke up to clear skies and a mild 55°F Friday morning, June 12, with a bright, dry day on tap and a high near 80 expected this afternoon. That calm is a bit of a fake-out, because a much stronger heat surge arrives Sunday and peaks Monday, bringing dangerously hot afternoons across the interior lowlands.
Extreme Heat Warning For Sunday-Tuesday
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for the Portland–Vancouver metro and nearby lowlands from 11 AM Sunday, June 14, through 11 PM Tuesday, June 16, urging residents to prepare for sustained very hot conditions and limited overnight relief, according to the National Weather Service. Forecast guidance shows highs climbing into the low 90s on Saturday, then rising to the upper 90s Sunday and Monday with interior valleys likely to reach the mid-to-upper 90s and a chance some spots top 100°F. Nighttime lows are expected to stay in the 60s in many areas, which will reduce overnight cooling and increase heat-stress risk.
What To Expect
Offshore flow will bring north-northeast winds with gusts up to around 20 mph in parts of the Willamette Valley and stronger gusts through the Gorge and gap areas. Low humidity combined with hot, breezy afternoons will raise fire-weather concerns in areas with cured grasses and fine fuels. Outdoor activities and events during the hottest hours will be more hazardous, so planning for early-morning or evening schedules will be the safer bet.
Find A Cool Spot
City and county officials say cooling centers and designated shelter spaces may open if conditions warrant, and transit agencies generally will not turn away people traveling to a cooling center, per guidance from the City of Portland. If you lack air conditioning, calling 2-1-1 can help locate nearby cooling options and community resources. Programs such as Cooling Portland also provide portable heat-pump units to eligible households through June 30.
Practical Tips
Drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous outdoor work between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., and check on older neighbors and anyone without air conditioning. Never leave children or pets in parked cars, and if you or someone else shows signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, move to a cool place and seek medical help immediately. Employers and event organizers should provide shade, frequent breaks and water for outdoor workers and attendees.
Keep an eye on forecast updates and local public-safety announcements over the weekend, heed warnings and adjust plans so you and your neighbors can stay safe through the heat. We will update this page as agencies post new information and cooling-center lists.
