EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM PDT
WEDNESDAY…
* WHAT…Dangerously hot conditions. Afternoon high temperatures of 96 to 105 expected, warmest across the lower terrain of the Foothills valleys and across the Willamette Valley. A tad cooler for Wednesday, with highs 95 to 102. Expect continued warm nights, with temperatures only cooling to the middle 60s to lower 70s, with warmest in the larger urban cores such as Portland, Salem and Eugene.
* WHERE…In Oregon, Greater Portland Metro Area, Central Willamette Valley, South Willamette Valley, Northern Oregon Cascade Foothills and Cascade Foothills in Lane County. In Washington, Greater Vancouver Area.
* WHEN…Until 11 PM PDT Wednesday.
* IMPACTS…Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
For sheltering information and other human services in your area, dial 2 1 1 during business hours or visit 211info.org in Oregon or wa211.org in Washington.
AIR QUALITY ADVISORY FOR SMOG IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM PDT
THURSDAY…
The Southwest Clean Air Agency and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory due to elevated levels of ozone pollution, or smog. The advisory covers the Portland-Vancouver metro area to the Salem area. The advisory is in effect until 6 AM Thursday.
Air quality agencies expect pollution to reach levels that could be unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, pregnant people, older adults, and people with heart disease or respiratory conditions. Health officials recommend that people limit outdoor activity when pollution levels are high.
The agencies urge residents to protect their health and limit activities that cause pollution. Recommendations include:
– Limit driving by using public transit, carpooling or other alternative transportation.
– Avoid unnecessary engine idling.
– Refuel vehicles during cooler evening hours.
– Postpone yard work that uses gas-powered equipment.
– Postpone painting and aerosol spray projects.
Smog irritates the eyes, nose and lungs, and contributes to breathing
problems. Consult your health care provider if these symptoms
worsen.
Ozone forms when hot temperatures and low winds combine with pollution from cars, gas-powered engines and chemicals in paints and aerosols. These air pollutants react with sunlight and heat to produce ozone and haze.
Ozone pollution increases throughout the day with exposure to sunlight, so pollution levels tend to be highest during afternoons and early evenings. Air quality monitors may show good air quality in the morning, then quickly jump to unhealthy levels later in the day.
Check current air quality conditions and advisories on DEQ’s Air Quality Index or by downloading the free OregonAIR app on a smartphone.
More information about air quality can be found at:
www.swcleanair.gov
www.oregon.gov/DEQ
www.lrapa.org
