Unprecedented heat settled over the region for nearly five days between June 25 and June 30.
Initial forecasts of 107 degrees were enough for health officers to sound the alarm. The regional Health Officer called the heat "life-threatening," and urged all residents to get to a cool space. For the first time in history, Multnomah County opened 24-hour cooling centers.
Temperatures exceeded officials' worst fears and shattered records, reaching 116 degrees. More than 60 people lost their lives.
Two people have been identified as experiencing homelessness; numbers may change as additional cases are investigated
Health officials balance privacy with public interest in requests for information on those who succumbed to hyperthermia.
As of Tuesday, July 6, the Multnomah County Medical Examiner Program has identified 67 deaths in which the suspected cause of death is hyperthermia.
The Multnomah County Medical Examiner reported the number of deaths from the heat wave has risen to 64. The deaths were identified between June 27 and July 3, 2021.
Deaths occurred in nearly every corner of the County, with someone succumbing in more than 20 of Multnomah County’s ZIP codes
County to conduct thorough analysis of how and why people died, share findings and shape future response
The preliminary cause of death is hyperthermia, an abnormally high body temperature caused by a failure of the body to deal with heat coming from the environment.
The preliminary cause of death is hyperthermia, an abnormally high body temperature caused by a failure of the body to deal with heat coming from the environment.
Since Thursday, June 24, outreach teams have picked up nearly 56,000 bottles of water, along with 2,520 gallon-size jugs. Teams also picked up 32,000 electrolyte packets and 14,000 cooling towels.
Urgent need for volunteers to keep cooling centers open
Come for a few hours or a few days; the body needs breaks from the heat to stay well
Indoor and outdoor animals are susceptible to surging heat. Keep pets indoors and hydrated; watch out for symptoms of overheating and heat stroke.
How a fan can make you sick; plan for power outages; and prep weekend meals early
Officials especially concerned for people living in high-rise apartments without AC
Health officials urge people to check on vulnerable family, friends and neighbors; offer water, cool space to those at risk
Information about cool spaces, cooling centers and other resources during the hot weather.
Reports and analysis conducted on extreme heat events in Multnomah County.