Portland, Oregon – Oregonians across the Willamette Valley and Columbia River Gorge should prepare for dangerously high temperatures starting Sunday afternoon, with highs reaching up to 105 degrees and little overnight relief.
According to the National Weather Service in Portland, an Extreme Heat Watch is in effect from Sunday afternoon through Monday evening for a wide swath of the region, including the Portland-Vancouver metro area, the Hood River Valley, and lower Columbia and Cowlitz River valleys. Overnight lows may remain in the upper 60s to low 70s, offering little break from the heat.
Cities like Salem, Eugene, Vancouver, and Hood River are all within the watch zone. Urban heat island effects could push temperatures higher in downtown Portland and nearby communities such as Gresham, Hillsboro, and Oregon City. Vulnerable populations, especially those without access to air conditioning, may be at elevated risk for heat-related illness…