Beaverton residents are under a National Weather Service Heat Advisory that took effect Tuesday, July 21, at 10 a.m. and runs through Wednesday, July 22, at 11 p.m.
Temperatures in the Beaverton area are expected to reach the mid-90s both days. The NWS forecast for the Cedar Hills zone shows highs near 95 degrees Tuesday and 94 degrees Wednesday.
Overnight lows will barely dip into the low 60s, giving residents little time to cool down between scorching afternoons.
That lack of nighttime cooling is what makes this stretch dangerous. The National Weather Service warned that the conditions increase the risk of heat-related illness, heat stroke, and death, particularly for older adults, young children, people working outdoors, and those without air conditioning.
Fire danger elevated across Washington County
The heat arrives as fire conditions worsen west of Beaverton.
The Oregon Department of Forestry raised the fire danger level from moderate to high at 12:01 a.m. July 20, across the eastern and central Tillamook State Forest and surrounding areas, including Banks, Gales Creek, and rural Forest Grove.
Forest Grove Fire & Rescue confirmed the change, noting that vegetation in the region is becoming drier and urging residents to take all fire safety precautions outdoors.
ODF's Northwest region is at preparedness level 5, the highest on its scale, meaning firefighting resources are extremely strained across Oregon and Washington.
Some 7,257 personnel were assigned to 25 large fires statewide as of July 20, according to ODF's daily situation report.
Gov. Tina Kotek has invoked the Conflagration Act for the Akawa Butte and Brewer fires in central Oregon.
What's restricted
Under high fire danger, the following activities are prohibited between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. on or within one-eighth mile of ODF-protected land:
- Non-industrial chainsaw use
- Off-roading
- Cutting, grinding, or welding metal
- Mowing or cutting dried, cured grass
- Use of other spark-emitting engines
All debris burning is prohibited. Outdoor and agricultural burning across Washington County has been banned since June 15 under a separate county fire defense board order.
Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue responded to a two-acre field fire near Gales Creek last week sparked by a combine working a crimson clover field. It was the second combine-caused field fire in the area in four days.
How to stay safe
Residents without air conditioning can check for cooling sites through Washington County's emergency management page or by calling 211. Specific cooling center locations for this advisory period have not been confirmed.
The Heat Advisory expires at 11 p.m. Wednesday, July 22.
Residents can check whether they live near ODF-protected land at gisapps.odf.oregon.gov/firerestrictions, or call the Forest Grove ODF office at 503-357-2191. Text alerts are available by texting "NWOA" to 877-274-4067.
