More than 22,500 homes in Washington County have no air conditioning, according to 2023 U.S. Census Bureau data, and county officials say the stretch of 90-degree days hitting the Bethany area isn't letting up.
Washington County remains under a heat advisory as of Thursday, Aug. 6, with more consecutive days above 90°F and little overnight cooling expected. The advisory overlaps with wildfire smoke season, compounding health risks for older adults, young children, outdoor workers and people living alone.
"Hurricanes and tornadoes get flashy news reports, but heat kills more people annually than any other natural hazard," said Kathleen Johnson, senior program coordinator for environmental health in Washington County. "We also get concerned around heat later in the summer, like this week, because it tends to overlap with wildfire smoke season."
Heat has averaged 279 deaths per year nationally over the past decade as of 2025, according to the National Weather Service. The Portland metro area recorded 72 heat-related fatalities during the June 2021 heat dome.
As we reported Tuesday, the dual threat of smoke and heat is already straining the area. A county guide published Aug. 6 details long-term programs residents can tap for cooling help.
Cooling centers nearby
Bethany Library at 15325 N.W. Central Drive and Cedar Mill Library at 1080 N.W. Saltzman Road are both open as cooling locations. Hours are Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.
Free TriMet rides to cooling centers may be available during emergency declarations or when temperatures hit 100°F. The county maintains an online cooling center map at washco.maps.arcgis.com.
Long-term help for homes without AC
John Wheeler, Washington County Emergency Management manager, said air conditioning is the best protection against heat. After the 2021 heat dome killed dozens across the metro area, the Oregon legislature passed a bill expanding residential AC access through grants, rebates and incentives.
Here's what's available now:
- Oregon Health Plan members may receive a free air conditioner through the Home Changes for Health Benefits Program.
- Landlords of multifamily housing can get reimbursement for cooling mini-splits through Energy Trust of Oregon.
- Renters and homeowners may qualify for rebates on heat pump installation through the Oregon Residential Homes and Healthy People Program.
- Income-eligible households can receive no-cost weatherization services, including window, door and vent improvements, through the Low Income Weatherization Program and Community Action of Washington County.
Check on your neighbors
A Washington County Public Health Division study found residents identified heat as the event most likely to affect their health but cited relationships with neighbors as a community strength.
Johnson urged residents to look out for people living alone and to sign up for the county's public alert system at tinyurl.com/275smmsu for text or email notifications before hazardous heat events.
The county's full hot-weather resource guide, including a heat safety plan template and signs of heat illness, is available at washingtoncountyor.gov/public-health/hot-weather. No public meeting on heat programming has been scheduled, but residents can contact Washington County Public Health through that page to ask questions or request assistance.
