Multnomah County prepares to open cooling centers Friday, declares state of emergency

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson has announced a state of emergency beginning Friday due to forecasts calling for dangerously hot temperatures as it prepares to open cooling centers that day.

This comes after the National Weather Service announced an excessive heat warning for the Portland area effective noon on Thursday, July 4 through 11 p.m. on Sunday, July 7, with forecasts pointing to hitting triple digits over the weekend. Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek...