Oregon could see temps in the upper 90s this weekend

Temperatures are expected to heat up into the 90s across much of Oregon this weekend as the state braces for its first heat wave of the year. Some areas, including north-central and Southern Oregon, could see temperatures reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory starting Sunday, through 10 p.m. Monday, along the Willamette Valley including the Hood River and Cowlitz River valleys.

Temperatures in the mid-to-upper 90s are likely, with the hottest temperatures expected around the Portland-Vancouver metro area.

Health officials are urging people to take steps now to beat the heat and stay cool this weekend.

Brendon Haggerty, with the Multnomah County Health Department, warns the early-season heat can pose health risks to everyone across the county, and not just vulnerable populations, as most people have not yet acclimated to the hot weather.

“When we experience a swing in temperature like this our bodies aren’t ready for that,” Haggerty said. “We’re not acclimated yet, so that means everyone is vulnerable to heat illness.”

According to Haggerty, as of now, the county isn’t opening its cooling centers this weekend. Its thresholds haven’t been met yet.

County officials will assess potential heat risks, along with the National Weather Service, the city of Portland and other government agencies and organizations, to determine whether it will open its emergency cooling shelters.

Cool spaces like libraries, community centers and malls will be open. For those looking to cool down, county officials suggest dialing 2-1-1 or visiting 211info.org.

The county is also reminding people it has programs available for people looking to obtain air conditioning units or heat pumps who cannot afford them.

Related: Oregon is getting hotter. This state program is helping thousands of renters stay cool

Haggerty suggests calling 311 for help and to check eligibility. There are also programs to help those struggling to pay their electric bills.

In north-central Oregon, the weather service also has issued a heat advisory from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Hot conditions with temperatures up to 100 degrees are expected for those in Oregon and Washington’s eastern Columbia River Gorge, the Lower Columbia River Basin and along Kittitas and Yakima Valleys.

In Southern Oregon, hot temperatures and potential thunderstorms will increase the area’s fire danger to moderate on Saturday, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry. Cities including Brookings and Medford could see temperatures in the triple digits this weekend.

Officials are warning people to limit time outdoors, wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing, and avoid strenuous activities.

“Hydrate a lot, make sure you do your exercise or yard work earlier in the day during the cooler hours, and if you have friends and relatives who are living alone it’s a good time to check on them,” Haggerty said. “Especially if they’re more vulnerable to heat illnesses.”

Related: Tips for staying cool under extreme heat