Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek declares extreme heat emergency amid scorching temperatures

Gov. Tina Kotek on Friday declared an extreme heat emergency as high temperatures across the state are forecast through at least Tuesday.

Temperatures in the Willamette Valley are expected to reach 100 to 105 degrees daily until Tuesday, potentially matching a 1941 record for number of consecutive days above 100 degrees.

The coast isn't expected to see as high of temperatures.

Kotek said extreme weather events are a "new normal" in the state and said state and local governments are "on a path" to strengthen their current and future response to decrease the need for emergency declarations.

"However, gaps exist today," Kotek said. "In the interest of safety and human life over the next several days, I am declaring an emergency due to extreme heat. Both the record-breaking temperatures and the duration of heat present a clear and present danger, particularly for children, elders, people with disabilities, and people who work outside. I am urging Oregonians to take every precaution and check on your family and neighbors.”

Kotek said the Oregon Department of Emergency Management will "coordinate all essential protective measures in support of identified disaster areas to protect lives, property, and the environment."

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management on Wednesday activated the state Emergency Coordination Center in response to the heat wave to coordinate access to and use of personnel and equipment of different state agencies.

The Oregon Health Authority, the Oregon Department of Human Services' Office of Resilience and Emergency Management, the Oregon State Medical Examiner, the Oregon Public Utility Commission and the American Red Cross are helping open cooling centers. Here's where to stay cool in Salem.

The Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection Services is also accepting reports from individuals who believe they are being subjected to excessive prices for water, other essential goods, or lodging due to the heat wave.

ODHS said it had delivered 1,176 cases of water bottles as of July 4 and anticipated delivering more than 1,500 air conditioning units over the course of the heat event with OHA.

For information on local cooling shelters and hot weather resources call 211 or go to 211info.org.

Dianne Lugo covers the Oregon Legislature and equity issues. Reach her at dlugo@statesmanjournal.com or on X @DianneLugo