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PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) - With hot weather forecasted to reach — and exceed — 100 degrees this weekend, Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson on Wednesday declared a state of emergency effective at noon Friday, July 5.

The FOX 12 First Alert Weather Team has declared Friday through Sunday to be First Alert Weather Days, for western valleys and the Gorge. High temperatures could stay above 90 degrees through at least Wednesday, perhaps even Thursday of next week. The hottest temperatures are expected Friday through Monday.

Here is the weather forecast for morning of Wednesday, July 3, 2024.

According to a statement from the office of Jessica Vega-Pederson on Wednesday, Multnomah County has been in enhanced operations since Tuesday, increasing outreach to people experiencing homelessness, vulnerable clients and elders, including making contact with building managers and community-based organizations. The County holds daily coordination calls with more than 140 staff along with partners from cities and agencies to consider opening cooling centers. Those calls include detailed briefings from the National Weather Service.

The County says its partners are preparing to open cooling centers and offer other cool spaces in light of the forecast. The location and hours of operation for any cooling centers will be announced the day before the County determines the threshold has been passed.

“We’re preparing for a long, very hot weekend, and you should, too,’’ said Chris Voss, the County’s director of Emergency Management. “We’re lining up locations for cooling centers, recruiting staff and developing plans. Everyone should be thinking about how they can keep themselves cool, and making plans to support friends and family who might need help.”

This interactive map shows places to to get cool during the day.

Dr. Richard Bruno, Multnomah County Health Officer, said because we’ve had few hot days so far this year, our bodies have not yet acclimated to the heat. People working and playing outside this weekend face the highest risk of heat illness due to prolonged time in the sun, along with a higher likelihood of dehydration. He also flagged that temperatures will be even higher near artificial turf and asphalt.

When temperatures climb, heat-related illness can develop in as little as 10 to 15 minutes and it can happen whether you are indoors or outdoors.

“I’m particularly worried about the thousands of people heading to music festivals and sporting events this weekend,’’ said Dr. Bruno. “They’ll be spending a long time outside, may have little access to shade and water, and may not recognize the risk.”

Dr. Bruno advised people to drink more water and find places to cool off. Even a few hours in air conditioning can make a big difference, he said.

“Whether you’re staying home this weekend or out and about, we need everyone to look out for one another. If you have air conditioning, now’s the time to invite older family members and friends over. Call and check on friends and seniors who may be at increased risk of heat-related illness. ‘’

If you are concerned that someone may be in distress because of the heat, you can ask how they’re doing and if they need help finding a cool space. Heat illness requires action and possibly medical attention. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. If you’re not comfortable approaching them, you can call the non-emergency line for a welfare check at 503-823-3333 and say “welfare check.” If you see someone having a medical emergency, call 911. Hold times may be longer during the July 4 holiday weekend.