How Hot Will it Be in Portland? And Where Can You Go to Cool Off?

When you wake up Thursday, it will be hot. And, as the day goes on, it will get hotter. And it's going to stay that way through at least Saturday.

Forecasters are saying the temperature will be close to 100 degrees if not higher and that means several things - including the fact that cooling centers will be opening around the region.

As Portland and the surrounding area does not get THAT hot THAT often, many people do not have air conditioning, which means the cooling center and taking care of yourself becomes that much more important.

Officials say it's important if you have elderly neighbors or people who might need assistance, to check on them.

As for yourself, stay hydrated.

"Find a place to stay cool. Consider visiting a library or indoor shopping mall to get away from the heat," says Washington County Deputy Health Officer Dr. Christina Baumann.

"Older adults can be especially vulnerable and are encouraged to visit their local senior center if they don't have air conditioning at home. Check on your neighbors, too."

Other tips include:

• Drink plenty of water, non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids. People with health conditions such as epilepsy, heart or kidney disease should talk to a doctor before increasing their consumption.
• Find the cool places. Visit a family member or neighbor with air conditioning, or go to the nearest public library, shopping mall or other cooled space.
• Dress for the weather. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight.
• Never wait in a parked vehicle or leave a child, elder or pet waiting in a parked car. Temperatures inside parked vehicles can rise dangerously high -- even with the windows open.
• Slow down. Reduce or reschedule strenuous activities until the heat of the day has passed.
• Stay out of the sun. Sunburn interferes with the skin’s ability to cool.
• Take a cool bath, shower or sponge bath. Cool water can help cool an overheated body.
• Pay attention to older adults, people with disabilities or health conditions.
• Check on those who are at-risk at least twice a day.

COOLING CENTERS

In Multnomah County:

Those in need of refuge from the hot weather can access cooling centers during the hottest parts of the day on Thursday, August 18; Friday, August 19; and Saturday, August 20.

Cooling center locations and hours of operation:

Multnomah County Walnut Park Building, 5325 NE MLK Jr. Blvd., Portland

Thurs., Aug. 18, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Fri., Aug. 19, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Sat., Aug. 20, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Multnomah County East Building, 600 NE 8th St., Gresham

Thurs., Aug. 18, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Fri., Aug. 19, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Sat., Aug. 20, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Hollywood Senior Center, 1820 NE 40th Ave., Portland

Thurs., Aug. 18, 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Fri., Aug. 19, 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Sat., Aug. 20, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

People in immediate need of relief from the hot weather

may arrive to the cooling centers before opening hours

on Thursday and Friday.

Transportation to the cooling centers can be arranged by calling Ride Connection at 503-226-0700. Advance reservations are encouraged.

WASHINGTON COUNTY

Tualatin Public Library will be open extended hours from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Thursday, 10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. on Saturday and from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. on Sunday. Free family-friendly activities will be provided. The library is located at 18878 SW Martinazzi Avenue. TriMet route numbers: 76, 96 and 97 plus WES

Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District, Athletic Center will be open from 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and from 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Saturday. Vending machines and water are available on site. The Athletic Center is located at 15707 SW Walker Road. TriMet route numbers: 59 and 67

Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District, Cedar Hills Recreation Center will be open from 5:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday. Vending machines and water are available on site. The Cedar Hills Recreation Center is located at 11640 SW Parkway. TriMet route numbers: 20 and 59

Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District, Conestoga Recreation & Aquatic Center will be open from 5:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Thursday, 5:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturday. Vending machines and water are available on site. The Conestoga Recreation & Aquatic Center is located at 9985 SW 125th. TriMet route numbers: 62 and 92

Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District, Garden Home Recreation Center will be open from 5:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Thursday, 5:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday. Vending machines and water are available on site. The Garden Home Recreation Center is located at 7475 SW Oleson Road. TriMet route number: 45

CLACKAMAS COUNTY

Clackamas Service Center

8800 SE 80th Ave., Portland 97206

503-771-7914

Open to the public during regular hours, Friday from 2 to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 5:30 to 9 p.m. May be open slightly extended hours, please call for updated information. Regular meals and other services available.

Damascus Community Church

14251 SE Rust Way, Damascus 97089

503-658-3179

Open to the public Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. when temperatures reach 90 degrees.

Estacada Community Center

200 SW Club House Drive, Estacada 97023

503-999-7062

Please call for hours.

Hoodland Public Library

24525 E. Welches Road, Welches 97067

503-622-3460

Open to the public regular hours, Friday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed Sundays)

Molalla Adult Community Center

315 Kennel St., Molalla 97038

503-829-4214

Open to the public Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., unavailable on the weekend.

Sandy Public Library

38980 Proctor Blvd., Sandy 97055

503-668-5537

Open to the public during regular hours, Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sandy Senior Center

38348 Pioneer Blvd., Sandy 97055

503-668-5569

Open to the public Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., unavailable on the weekend.

Wilsonville Brookdale Senior Community

8170 SW Vlahos Drive, Wilsonville 97070

503-682-0653

The Fireside Room is open to the general public seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. when temperatures reach 90 degrees. Water is available.

For more information, members of the public may contact Clackamas County Human Services Supervisor Kati Tilton at 503-650-5701.

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