The Salmon Street Springs Fountain in downtown Portland welcomed visitors with cold fog and shouts of joy on Mother’s Day. The day marked record-breaking temperatures from Astoria to Eugene to Troutdale. Although many people are enjoying the unseasonably warm weather, health experts warn Oregonians to take precautions against heatstroke. This is especially true in homes without air conditioning, where relatively high nighttime temperatures may cause discomfort and increase risk.
Dr. Ann Loeffler, acting health officer, advises people to take extra care during this time. Despite the hot weather of the previous three days, Multnomah County reported no suspected deaths from heat stroke on Sunday. Families and park-goers flocked to the Bill Naito Legacy Fountain on the Willamette River, enjoying the sunny day, despite the heat.
Preyona Allen, who sat in the shade, said that she liked hot days because she could let her children play safely in the sun. However, swimming and boating in natural waters is risky, especially in low-temperature rivers like the Columbia, Willamette, and Sandy. Those who engage in such activities need to wear life jackets.
Sidney Waters, sitting near a fountain in Bill Naito, expressed a common sentiment among Portlanders about the current weather. “It’s too humid and too cold,” Waters said. “Then it’s too hot.”