Excessive Heat — Greater Portland Metro Area, Oregon

2021-08-14 · Greater Portland Metro Area, Oregon

Event narrative

A 61-year-old man drowned while swimming at Hagg Lake on Saturday August 14th, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office. The sheriff's office responded to reports of a swimmer who had gone under water. The high temperature at Hagg lake was 92 degrees on the 14th.

Wider weather episode

Hot weather began to develop August 9, peaking August 11-12, but temperatures continued above normal into the weekend. Peak afternoon temperatures of 100 to 105 degrees drove people to seek relief in or near bodies of water. Heat caused slowdowns on the MAX light rail (Portland metro area) systems, and some businesses did close due to the heat. Cooling shelters were opened in several counties.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 981002. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.