Heat Wave

Update: 9/4/24

Excessive Heat Warning 

The National Weather Service predicts temperatures around 100 degrees beginning at noon on Thursday, September 5 and running through 10 p.m. on Friday, September 6. Safety is our top priority during heat waves and dangerous conditions. A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessive heat, generally 10 degrees or more above average, often combined with excessive humidity. These conditions can be dangerous and even life-threatening.

For anyone trying to stay cool during hot temperatures, there are multiple City facilities open where people can escape the rising temperatures outside.

• Lake Oswego Public Library
  • Open regular hours: Thursday 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.; and Friday 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. 
  • Please note that pets are not allowed in the library; service animals are welcome.
• Adult Community Center
  • Open weekdays 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
• City Hall
  • Open weekdays 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Parks & Recreation Programming Cancellations and Reduced Hours

Parks & Recreation programming, fields, and hours might change as the forecast heats up. This includes camps and scheduled events. Please visit Parks & Recreation Inclement Weather for the latest update. 

Republic Services

Republic Services (our trash and recycle collections) will pick up an hour earlier due to weather. Please make sure that your trash, recycling and yard debris containers are set out the night before. Questions? Please contact Republic Services directly. 

Water Safety

When the weather heats up, many people like to head to the water and rivers. However, it’s important to remember that the rivers and lakes in and around parks and natural areas are wild bodies of water. Please review water safety before entering these waterways. 

County Resources

For additional resources and places to cool off, visit Clackamas County's cooling resources. 

Check In With Family, Friends, and Neighbors

Check in with your family, friends, and neighbors — especially young children, older adults, and people with chronic medical problems — as they are more vulnerable to heat-related illness. Never leave pets or children unattended in vehicles.

Additional Tips

During a heat wave:

• Never leave a child or animal inside a vehicle on a warm day. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees.
• Find places with air conditioning. Libraries, community centers, shopping malls, and theaters can be a cool place to beat the heat.
• Do not rely solely on fans when the temperature outside is more than 95 degrees. You could increase the risk of heat-related illness. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort, but do not reduce body temperature.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water - even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
• Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home.
• Take cool showers or baths.
• If you’re outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face.
• Avoid high-energy activities outdoors. Avoid working outdoors during the midday heat, if possible.
• Check yourself, family members, and neighbors for signs of heat-related illness. Learn the signs for when someone is suffering from dehydration or heat stroke: www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.html  
• Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat. Know those in your neighborhood who are elderly, young, sick or overweight. They are more likely to become victims of excessive heat and may need help.
• Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water and shade.

During heat waves people are susceptible to three heat-related conditions. Go to www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/heat-wave-safety.html to learn how to recognize and respond to them.

• Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms that usually occur in the legs or abdomen. Heat cramps are often an early sign that the body is having trouble with the heat.
• Heat exhaustion is a more severe condition than heat cramps. Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale, ashen or flushed skin; headache; nausea; dizziness; weakness; and exhaustion.
• Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that usually occurs by ignoring the signals of heat exhaustion. Heat stroke develops when the body systems are overwhelmed by heat and begin to stop functioning. Signs of heat stroke include extremely high body temperature, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; rapid, shallow breathing; confusion; vomiting; and seizures. Heat stroke is life-threatening. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately.

For more information about extreme heat and heat waves, go to American Red Cross and FEMA's Ready.gov.