Amanda Ames runs a food cart in a 1968 Airstream trailer.

“Being a silver metal box in direct sun all day long, it’s like being in an oven, inside of an oven,” Ames said.

She says it can be 30 degrees Fahrenheit hotter in the trailer than outside.

The cart is called Ames Meat Research and serves mainly burgers to people in Milwaukie.

Ames said that on a day when temperatures reach the mid-90s, inside it’ll be 120 degrees.

“I tap out at about 115 degrees. That’s when I decide I can’t take it anymore.”

National Weather Service meteorologist John Liu said high pressure has been allowing temperatures to build across a large swath of Western Oregon.

“We’re looking at temperatures throughout the Willamette Valley of probably getting into the mid-90s for a lot of areas,” Liu said.

By Thursday and Friday, temperatures are expected to cool and by the weekend, Western Oregon could drop back into the 70s and 80s.

Meanwhile, Ames and other workers have had to work through the heat.

“We have misters installed,” Ames said. “I’ve tried putting shade covering up, but the wind has not been agreeable.”

Ames has secured permission from the flower shop next door to stand in their cooler for a few minutes now and then.

“We actually have little mister bottles that we keep in the fridge to spray ourselves. And cooling towels that you can put around your neck. It helps, but only so much.”

Wednesday looks even warmer with some spots breaking 100 degrees.

Liu said similar highs occur a few times every summer in Oregon.

“I wouldn’t say this is any sort of abnormal extremely atmospheric set up,” he said. “But just pretty strong summertime heating.”

But data does show Oregon summers have been getting hotter.

Liu recommends people stay out of the sun in air-conditioned areas if possible. And drink lots of fluids.

“We also recommend that people limit their physical exertion. That can cause people to dehydrate really quickly.”

While workers like Ames have done what they can to stay cool, others have just headed to the water.

University of San Diego student Lucy Loeb went with a friend to High Rocks Park in Gladstone – a great place to jump into the Clackamas River.

“Sometimes it’s nice to get out of the workplace and into a body of water,” Loeb said.

Loeb is working as a lifeguard this summer for Portland Parks and Recreation, so swimming at High Rocks is a bit of a busman’s holiday.

“I guess when you’re working 40 hours a week at a pool, it just feels like home to be out in another place in the Pacific Northwest. That’s why I love living here. There’s so many accessible pools of water nearby,” Loeb said.

Loeb wasn’t alone. As the heat began to rise Tuesday afternoon, Kai Newbold and his friend, along with dozens of others — teens and adults alike — filed onto the rock cliffs seeking relief from the heat.

“We are going to go swimming and cliff jumping for a little while to get out of the heat,” Newbold said.

The American Red Cross is urging people to drink a cup of water every 20 minutes, even if they don’t feel thirsty. The charity also recommends avoiding sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.

“Knowing what to do to protect yourself and loved ones from extreme heat can save lives,” said Priscilla Fuentes, CEO of Red Cross Cascades region.

“We’re asking everyone to check on friends and neighbors, especially older adults, people with chronic conditions, outdoor workers and athletes. You could make all the difference by sending a text, making a call or knocking on their door.”

Symptoms of heat stress include heavy sweating and muscle pain. Heat exhaustion is signaled by heavy sweating, weakness, cool and clammy skin, muscle cramps, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting. Experts recommend people stop what they’re doing, find a cool spot and drink. Seek medical help if someone vomits or doesn’t feel better in an hour.

Heat stroke is a deadly condition signaled by a rapid heartbeat, confusion, fainting or nausea. If you or someone you know has symptoms, call 911 and remove extra clothing. Use a wet cloth or bath to cool down. If possible, sip a sports drink or water.

News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2025/07/15/oregon-weather-heat-wave-advisory-cool-willamette-valley/