PORTLAND, Ore. — The Pacific Northwest is about to face another round of dangerously high temperatures next week, with the Portland metro area, the Columbia River Gorge, and the Willamette Valley all under an extreme heat watch issued by the National Weather Service.
Starting Sunday, July 13, forecasters expect a noticeable warm-up, with highs reaching the mid-90s Fahrenheit (mid-30s Celsius) across the region. But it’s Tuesday and Wednesday that pose the biggest concern, when temperatures could soar to 105°F (40.5°C) — well into the danger zone for heat-related illnesses.
The NWS heat watch, in effect from Tuesday afternoon through late Wednesday evening, covers a large swath of Southwest Washington and Northwestern Oregon, including cities throughout the central Willamette Valley.
“This level of heat would affect anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration,” forecasters warned in a discussion released Friday. The concern isn’t just about discomfort — it’s about the real and rising risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, particularly for vulnerable populations.
The warning area also includes the Columbia River Gorge, stretching into Corbett, Hood River, and down into the Lower Columbia and Cowlitz River valleys.
With intense sunlight, dry conditions, and overnight lows offering little relief, the heat will linger well into the evenings. Health officials are urging residents to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, stay hydrated, and check in on neighbors, especially the elderly and those without access to air conditioning.
For those without A/C, using fans to circulate air and keeping windows closed during the day may help prevent indoor spaces from overheating. Public cooling centers may also be opened if the forecast holds.
Images from last summer’s heat wave — like the one of a man splashing water on his face at Tom McCall Waterfront Park — are a reminder of how intense these periods can be. As climate patterns shift, events like this are becoming less unusual and more expected, even in a region known for its mild summers.
