The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat watch for a region of the state that includes Benton County to be in effect from noon Sunday until 11 p.m. Monday.
Temperatures in the Philomath vicinity are predicted to reach highs of 98 on Sunday and 93 on Monday before cooling off into the 80s and 70s through the rest of the week. The overnight temperature Sunday is predicted to get down to 66.
The NPS predicts dangerously hot conditions in the greater Portland-Vancouver metro area, southern Willamette Valley, western and central Columbia River Gorge and Hood River Valley, and the Lower Columbia River Valley and Cowlitz River Valley.
Temperature in these areas could get as high as the low 100s with overnight temperatures of 60 to 70 degrees.
Benton County maintains a webpage with a list of cooling centers to get out of the heat. Locally, Philomath Community Library serves as a daytime cooling center (closed Sunday but open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday).
Heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events. The Oregon Health Authority published information online about preventing heat-related illness.
For general tips, Oregon.gov advises the following:
- Hydrate consistently — don’t wait until you feel thirsty and limit sugary and alcoholic drinks.
- Dress in loose, light-colored, breathable clothing.
- Take lots of cold showers or seek out air-conditioned buildings or cooling shelters during the hottest part of the day.
- Keep windows closed during the day and open at night (unless wildfire smoke is present).
- Never leave pets or children in vehicles.
- Limit physical activity — even athletes should limit their activity during extreme heat.