Posted on 06/29/2021 1:30:44 PM PDT by EBH
Three days, three records. For the third consecutive day, the high-temperature page of Portland's record book will need a rewrite.
Portland has been at the epicenter of a record-shattering heat wave that has been sending temperatures soaring to previously unimaginable levels across the northwestern United States and western Canada. Among the victims left in the heat wave's wrath have been stricken residents, buckled streets and melted power cables.
Little relief has been offered even at night, and the city continued its streak of searing heat Monday, setting a new all-time record high temperature in the process.
The day's highest mark reached 116 degrees Fahrenheit, breaking the one-day-old record of 112 set Sunday. That had broken the anything-but-ageless record of 108 set Saturday. However, prior to that, the all-time high truly did seem untouchable, as no day had touched the previous record of 107 F since August 1981.
For a city that typically sees average highs top out in the low 80s during the year's hottest months, in July and August, this June blast of heat was never something many in the city could have imagined.
The city's infrastructure and operations are a testament to that.
On Monday, power cables supporting streetcars in Portland were stretched to the extreme, melting in some areas.
Less than 50 miles south of Portland, the city of Salem, Oregon, posted the day's highest temperature, hitting a new all-time high of 117 degrees. For reference, Las Vegas has never recorded a day warmer than that.
On such a hot day, even cold conditions can become dangerous for those looking to cool off in rivers or streams.
The shock from cold water, as low as 50 degrees, presented a risk to even the most experienced swimmer, Robert McDonald told AccuWeather National Reporter Bill Wadell.
McDonald, operations manager with AMR, told Wadell that he was proud of the EMS response in the area, which has helped save lives as more than a dozen people were rushed to the hospital with heat illnesses Monday.
"This was a big turn for EMS in the region, but I gotta tell you that I applaud most everyone that’s participated," he said. "I applaud our crews, they have done an amazing job in what can only be called an austere event. It’s hot and difficult out there."
One group directly stricken by heat illnesses has been pool lifeguards. The Portland Parks and Recreation Department announced the closing of public pools on Monday after multiple lifeguards experienced heat-related illnesses on Sunday.
For Gena Biello and her 9-year-old daughter Nicola, that meant having to make a change of plans. Gena considered the safety of the lifeguards as they were driving to the pool, but told Wadell that she was just hoping the pool would be open for her own family's sake of cooling off.
"I thought that it does kind of make sense because the lifeguards would be really hot, but it’s also a little bit of a bummer that the pool’s not open," Nicola said.
Her mom agreed.
"Ironically enough, who would have thought we’d come to a day when it’s too hot to swim?" Gena said. "That’s where we’re at now."
As the week progresses, families like the Biellos may need to continue finding alternative methods to stay cool. AccuWeather meteorologists forecast the gripping heat to linger through Thursday.
Though the Northwest heat’s rage may soften slightly enough to allow the ink on the record books to dry, the unusually high temperatures will still remain in place, including well beyond the Fourth of July.
“In fact, record-challenging temperatures are likely to persist east of the Cascades and throughout western Canada into the early days of July,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Renee Duff wrote. “High temperatures can still soar close to 20 degrees above normal each day for many locations from the middle of the week onward.”
Power cables supporting Portland streetcars wilted under the intense heat wave. (Twitter/@PDXStreetcar)
Well ... I guess when you request hell to take up residence . . . .
I bet it put an end to the rioting...
“power cables supporting streetcars in Portland were stretched to the extreme, melting in some areas.”
Something wrong here.
Power cables are not insulated, and aluminum or copper doesn’t melt at these temps.
Good article, but I wish people would learn the meaning of epicenter!
Why the road closer? Looks like a typical Illinois road to me..
Great. Antifa squatters will suffer.
Great. Antifa squatters will suffer.
Portland is becoming Hell on Earth to its residents thanks to BLM/Antifa and now this heatwave.
Gee, that’s gonna be tough on Pantifa with their cute little black outfits. Btw, Googles article on this heat wave cites Climate Scientologist Michael “hide the decline” Mann as their go-to authority.
If they don't care that Antifa is burning down Portland, why would they be particular when it comes to climate?
A regular heat wave following recent droughts equals higher than usual temps at this time.
Normally wetter ground absorbs some of the heat in hotter temps, mitigating the effects at ground temperature. Think of the same sunny day on the desert versus in a lakeside tree covered meadow.
Power cables are not insulated, and aluminum or copper doesn’t melt at these temps.
As far as not melting, what happens is that they do elongate as they get hot, so any combination of ambient heat and internal heat generated by an increase in current will cause the overhead wires to sag on hot days and/or days with big loads on the supply grid.
Parts of Interstate 5 near Seattle buckled from the heat yesterday - it cooled off last night, though.
LOL I hadn’t thought about that. But the word “karma” has been floating in my mind of late, hearing about the historical extreme heat in Portland.
Portland is Hell.
Hell is hot.
It is what it is.
GOD is reminding the peeps of Portland to repent before they go to Hell?
Anyone check Mt. Hood, lately? S/
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