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PORTLAND, Ore.-Temperatures all over Oregon are expected to shoot past 104 degrees today, making it one of the hottest days in Oregon in years.KATU Meteorologist Rhonda Shelby said at noon that there is a chance it could get hot enough to break Portland's all-time heat record of 107 degrees. And relief won't come until Sunday: 100-plus degree temperatures are also expected Saturday. The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning through late Saturday. A high pressure system creeping up from the desert Southwest is dominating the region and bringing the record-breaking temperatures. Thursday's reading of 102 degrees at the Portland airport smashed the old record of 97 degrees. The only cool spots in the state? Over at the coast, and in the high Cascades. Coastal temperatures will likely be in the 70s due to fog that typically forms when inland temperatures reach triple digits.In Portland and Vancouver, city officials and law enforcement are telling people to take care in their quest to stay cool.Vancouver officials are opening many indoor swimming pools and other facilities as cooling centers. Along rivers and on lakes, law enforcement officers are telling everyone to play smart around the water.That means using lots of sunscreen, wearing life vests while in rivers that are still cold and fast-running and minimizing or avoiding alcohol use, which can lead to dehydration and poor choices while on dangerous waterways.Officers and deputies from multiple agencies will be patrolling popular spots looking for unruly behavior on the water and alcohol violations. Safety officials urge everyone to drink water - not soda or alcoholic beverages - to keep hydrated and to keep outdoor physical activities to a minimum. If you do go outside, water bottles, sunscreen, sunglasses and sun hats are recommended. Also, they urge everyone to check on elderly or shut-in citizens to make sure they are cool and have adequate water and other resources.Veterinarians are asking pet owners to keep their animals well-hydrated with cool water and to keep them out of direct sun if possible. Dogs and cats with heavy fur coats face serious health risks in extremely hot weather.Next week, it will be a different story, with highs in the mid 70s and even a chance of rain by midweek.By KATU and Associated Press
As in the days of Noah...
