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Good morning, Northwest.

A catastrophic heat dome scorched Oregon about five years ago this month, killing more than 100 people.

Since then, hotter summers have become more common in the Pacific Northwest — and people are trying hard to adapt. OPB climate reporter Monica Samayoa starts today’s newsletter with a look at what’s changed since the extreme heat of 2021.

In other news, a wildfire near Lyle, Washington, has prompted evacuation orders.

Here’s your First Look at Monday’s news.

— Bradley W. Parks

Top story

It’s been 5 years since deadly heat gripped Oregon. Here’s what’s changed

In late June 2021, as forecasts warned temperatures could reach 107 degrees, Steve Carr called fellow Vietnam veterans he feared might be at risk in the heat.

One of them was Fred Fah, 66, a disabled Air Force and National Guard veteran. Fah assured Carr he was fine and didn’t need help.

But the heat intensified. On June 28, Portland reached a record 116 degrees, with overnight temperatures only dropping to 75.

Less than a week after their call, Fah died. He was one of 102 people who died in Oregon due to the heat during the record-breaking heat dome of 2021.

Many died in the same circumstances as Fah — alone in their homes with no air conditioning. Others perished days later, their bodies unable to recover from the effects of extreme heat.

It was Oregon’s first, shocking, preview of a new, hotter era. Five years later, the globe continues to warm — and leaders in the state have pushed hard to adapt. (Monica Samayoa)

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3 things to know

• A wildfire in Lyle, Washington, prompted officials to issue a Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation order for parts of the Southwest Washington community on Sunday afternoon. (OPB staff)
• Their national team’s victory Wednesday in Seattle brought together Bosnian soccer fans from across the Pacific Northwest. Now, Bosnia and Herzegovina will face the U.S. in their first ever World Cup knockout stage game. (Grace Madigan, Northwest News Network)
• It’s been at least six years since female soccer players in the Tri-Cities of Washington have had the chance to play against only women. It’s why Mary Reimers, a self-described “soccer nut,” decided to organize an outdoor women’s league in Pasco. (Courtney Flatt, NWPB)

How much water from the Deschutes goes to turn the desert green?

The Deschutes River is a lifeline for Central Oregon. About 90% of the river’s water is diverted to irrigation canals during the agricultural growing season. Where did all the water go and what was it used to grow? (Emily Cureton Cook and Julie Sabatier)

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Northwest headlines

• Pride, protest, and politics surround Seattle’s Egypt-Iran World Cup match (Casey Martin, KUOW)
• Eugene Frontrunners and Walkers bring pride, community and accessibility to exercise (Macy Moore, KLCC)
• Punk rock culture meets Portland’s love of soccer and women’s sports in Cherry Bombs FC’s first season (Kyra Buckley)

Listen in on OPB’s daily conversation

“Think Out Loud” airs at noon and 8 p.m. weekdays on OPB Radio, opb.org and the OPB News app. Today’s planned topics (subject to change):

• WSU study shows food insecurity varies among low-income racial and ethnic groups
• What loss of temporary protected status for Haitians and Syrians means for Oregon

One more look

This Portland band broke up — but the friendship never did

Music has always been at the core of the decadeslong friendship between rock guitarist Tommy Thayer and singer Jaime St. James.

Even before they were formally introduced by a mutual friend, Thayer says he recognized St. James from concerts they both attended.

By 1978, the two started playing music together and eventually formed a band called Black ‘n Blue, which included guitarist Jeff Warner, drummer Pete Holmes and bassist Patrick Young.

But by the late 1980s, some cracks started to show. Album sales slowed down, the tours they were on were smaller, and there was a sense that the music landscape was changing.

Soon after, Thayer announced he was leaving the band, but unlike other rock and roll breakups, St. James says he was never angry with his friend and bandmate.

Their friendship persevered. (Jason Sauls)

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News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2026/06/29/heat-dome-anniversary-first-look/