How Hot Will it Get In Portland? Where Will You Be Able to Cool Off?

It is getting hot out there. The National Weather Service is predicting record highs for Portland and the surrounding region - the Willamette Valley, the Coast Range, the Upper Hood River Valley, and the Columbia River Gorge - starting Thursday and lasting at least until Friday night if not the weekend.

Temperatures will be in the mid-upper 90s.

Along with that there is a red flag warning in effect for the southern part of the Valley because of increased fire dangers.

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.

As Patch gets word of cooling centers being opened, we will post those locations.

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