16 Jul Reflecting on the Historic Heat Wave and How to Protect Yourself and Families

At the end of June, the three-day heat wave recorded the hottest day in Oregon history when Monday, June 28 reached 116 degrees.

What caused the heat and is there a link to climate change?

The record-breaking temperatures were the result of a heat dome, large areas of high pressure forcing air down and trapping hot air in place. This is a rare occurrence in Oregon, and typically common in the southwest United States.

Weather attribution scientists are currently at work trying to find out what caused the heat dome, a “once in a millennium event,” but research shows that the warming temperatures and the conditions that exist because of climate change intensify these heat events.

For example, the drought conditions linked to climate change meant that evaporation of moisture in soil and plants that would normally offer a cooling effect was not present during this heat wave.  

A science and environment reporter for the Oregonian, Kale Williams, put it like this: 

“What we do know is that extreme heat events are going to be happening here more frequently, they are going to be more intense and they are going to last longer because of climate change and that is supported by decades of research by folks here in Oregon.” 

The heat wave was one of the deadliest natural disasters to hit Oregon. 

So far, 116 people have died of suspected heat-related illnesses, including Sebastian Francisco Perez, a 38-year-old farm worker from Guatemala. Perez lost his life on the job and vigils held earlier this month in Perez’s memory call for better protections for farm workers, especially in light of the last year when many have worked during wildfires, the pandemic and this unprecedented heat wave. Updated and more protective worker safety requirements are needed. To many at Bienestar, this is not news.  

On Tuesday, July 6, Gov. Kate Brown gave a directive to the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (OSHA)  to establish and enact emergency rules to protect workers from extreme heat. Some of these rules include: providing cool water, shade and more time for rest. OSHA is working on permanent rules and it is unclear if they will also include a requirement that employers halt work if temperatures rise to certain highs, or if workers will be protected from wildfire smoke. 

How to protect yourself and your family in the heat:

• Read our tips for staying cool at Bienestar properties and in general
• Find a local Sprayground – Click here for a list in Hillsboro 
•  Cooling Centers – Dial 211 or Click Here for more Info (Spanish) or Click Here for more info (English)
• Many who died didn’t have air conditioning or fans and lived alone. Check on your elderly neighbors.  Prepare with a fan or AC.
•  Click Here for Washington County’s Hot Weather Help guide