Multnomah County declares state of emergency due to extreme heat

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Multnomah County leaders have declared a state of emergency due to extreme heat throughout the Portland metro area Thursday morning.

The declaration, effective 10 a.m. Thursday, was announced by Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson on Wednesday as the county shared plans to open two cooling centers in the area.

It is not yet clear whether these cooling centers will also open on Friday. County officials are expected to make an announcement about cooling centers by the end of the day.

Meanwhile, Multnomah County Library plans to extend its hours to 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday at two locations.

Multnomah County’s announcement came after the National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for the area that will be in effect from noon Thursday to 10 p.m. Friday.

Forecasts show temperatures rising to nearly 100 degrees Thursday and Friday with overnight lows also expected to be in the upper 50s to nearly 70 degrees.

Multnomah County leaders are expected to host a press conference related to the cooling center announcement Thursday morning.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue our weather coverage.