Cities across the state broke daytime heat records on Tuesday. Oregon sweated until Day 5 of Fatal heat wave.
According to the National Weather Service in PortlandTentative daytime temperature records were broken Tuesday in cities from Eugene to Vancouver, reaching 103 degrees Fahrenheit in Portland and 105 degrees Fahrenheit in Eugene and Salem.
Temperatures could rise further, David Bishop, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Portland, said Tuesday night.
“As we saw yesterday, even after we released the provisional records, temperatures rose by a degree or two in quite a few places,” Bishop said.
Tuesday’s 103 degrees Fahrenheit was the highest temperature Portland has recorded so far during the heat wave that began on the Fourth of July.
The previous record for Portland International Airport on July 9 was 96 degrees, set in 1985.
Authorities say at least six Since Friday, there have been deaths across the state from suspected heatstroke.
While maximum temperatures broke records, overnight minimum temperatures were also significantly higher than normal, making it even more difficult for people to cool down.
“Normal overnight temperatures are around 58 degrees,” Bishop said, but noted that during the heat wave, “it was in the low to high 60s.”
Cooling centres remain open The cases occurred Tuesday in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties.
Oregonians should get some relief on Wednesday.
“We’re predicting a pretty good pattern change,” Bishop said, “starting tomorrow through the weekend with highs dropping from the upper 90s to the upper 80s.”
Although it will be cooler, it won’t be that cool.
“Still, don’t let your guard down,” Bishop added. “We’re going to have warmer weather the rest of the week. Please be aware of the conditions. Be aware of your neighbors.”
