Current:Home > Stocks2 deaths suspected in the Pacific Northwest’s record-breaking heat wave-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
2 deaths suspected in the Pacific Northwest’s record-breaking heat wave
View Date:2024-12-23 16:38:49
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Two people may have died in a record-shattering heat wave in the Pacific Northwest this week, officials said.
The Multnomah County Medical Examiner in Portland, Oregon, said Wednesday it’s investigating the deaths of two people that may have been caused by extreme heat.
One death was reported Monday in southeast Portland, according to a statement from the medical examiner. At Portland International Airport, the daily high temperature Monday of 108 degrees Fahrenheit (42.2 Celsius) broke the previous daily record of 102 degrees (38.8 Celsius), the National Weather Service said.
The second death occurred Tuesday when the temperature outside was about 102 degrees (38.8 Celsius), officials said Wednesday. That death was reported by a Portland hospital. Further tests will determine if the deaths are officially related to the heat, officials said.
No further information has been released about the identities of the people who died. Multnomah County recorded at least five heat-related deaths last year.
Daily high temperatures on Monday broke records with readings from 103 degrees (39.4 Celsius) to 110 (43.3 Celsius) in additional cities in Oregon — including Eugene, Salem, Troutdale, Hillsboro — and in Vancouver, Washington, according to the weather agency.
On Wednesday, daily high records were broken again in the same cities with temperatures from 102 to 105 degrees (38.8 to 40.5 Celsius).
This week marked the first time in 130 years of recorded weather that Seattle had three days in a row with lows of 67 degrees (19.4 Celsius) or warmer, according to the National Weather Service in Seattle.
In July, the continental United States set a record for overnight warmth, providing little relief from daytime heat for people, animals, plants and the electric grid, meteorologists said.
Scientists have long warned that climate change, driven by the burning of fossil fuels, by deforestation and by certain agricultural practices, will lead to more and prolonged bouts of extreme weather including hotter temperatures.
Cooler weather was expected Thursday and Friday, the weather service said. However, there’s concern about the possible quick spread of wildfires because of dry conditions and the expected cold front that will bring winds into the region, Joe Smillie, Washington state Department of Natural Resources spokesperson, told The Seattle Times on Thursday.
Additionally, unhealthy air from wildfires was affecting areas of Oregon and more than half of the state of Washington on Thursday, according to state officials.
veryGood! (186)
Related
- Georgia State University is planning a $107M remake of downtown Atlanta
- Texas man says facial recognition led to his false arrest, imprisonment, rape in jail
- Transgender veterans sue to have gender-affirming surgery covered by Department of Veteran Affairs
- Dex Carvey, son of Dana Carvey, cause of death at age 32 revealed
- Sister Wives’ Janelle Brown Alleges Ex Kody Made False Claims About Family’s Finances
- What we know about UEFA official Zvonimir Boban resigning and why
- 3 dead, 4 seriously injured after helicopter carrying skiers crashes in Canada
- Residents of Alaska’s capital dig out after snowfall for January hits near-record level for the city
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, 4G
- 4 secret iPhone hacks to help you type faster on the keyboard
Ranking
- Georgia State University is planning a $107M remake of downtown Atlanta
- Coco Gauff set for US Open final rematch with Aryna Sabalenka at Australian Open semifinals
- Pakistan accuses Indian agents of orchestrating the killing of 2 citizens on its soil
- Nick Dunlap turns pro after becoming first amateur to win PGA Tour event in 33 years
- Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger welcome their first son together
- Harbaugh returning to NFL to coach Chargers after leading Michigan to national title, AP sources say
- Antisemitic acts have risen sharply in Belgium since the Israel-Hamas war began
- Robitussin cough syrup recall issued nationwide due to microbial contamination
Recommendation
-
‘Maybe Happy Ending’ review: Darren Criss shines in one of the best musicals in years
-
'Feud: Capote vs. The Swans': Premiere date, cast, trailer, what to know about new season
-
EXPLAINER: What the Tuvalu election means for China-Pacific relations
-
Biden extends State of the Union invitation to a Texas woman who sued to get an abortion and lost
-
Burger King is giving away a million Whoppers for $1: Here's how to get one
-
Turkey's parliament approves Sweden's NATO membership, lifting key hurdle to entry into military alliance
-
Maine’s top court dismisses appeal of judge’s decision on Trump ballot status
-
Jason Kelce's shirtless antics steal show in Buffalo: 'Tay said she absolutely loved you'