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2021 Summer Heatwaves: Difference between revisions
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→June Heat Dome in Portland (OERS 2021-1650)
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As of December 1, 2021, the County Medical Examiner confirmed 73 heat related deaths in Multnomah County from the June heatwave. Previously, between 2010 and June 2021, Multnomah County ever recorded only two heat illness (hyperthermia) deaths.<ref>''Ibid.''</ref> Combining the 73 with deaths elsewhere in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and British Columbia, the heat dome led to the deaths of approximately 500 people. Most of the persons who died were older, white, and socially isolated or lived alone and without central air conditioning. Their deaths were preventable. | As of December 1, 2021, the County Medical Examiner confirmed 73 heat related deaths in Multnomah County from the June heatwave. Previously, between 2010 and June 2021, Multnomah County ever recorded only two heat illness (hyperthermia) deaths.<ref>''Ibid.''</ref> Combining the 73 with deaths elsewhere in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and British Columbia, the heat dome led to the deaths of approximately 500 people. Most of the persons who died were older, white, and socially isolated or lived alone and without central air conditioning. Their deaths were preventable. | ||
[[File:Heatwave.png|alt=June heatwave dates and temperatures.|center|''June heatwave dates and temperatures.''|frame]]Emergency managers in the region mobilized for heatwave preparations only three days before June 25. Since more preparation lead time can improve response capacity, it is worth noting factors that possibly contributed to curtailed lead time in June: | <span style="color:#ffffff">...</span> | ||
[[File:Heatwave.png|alt=June heatwave dates and temperatures.|center|''June heatwave dates and temperatures.''|frame]] | |||
<span style="color:#ffffff">...</span> | |||
Emergency managers in the region mobilized for heatwave preparations only three days before June 25. Since more preparation lead time can improve response capacity, it is worth noting factors that possibly contributed to curtailed lead time in June: | |||
* '''Regional response inexperience with temperature extremes at this level.''' For example, at the time, PBEM did not have Operational Guidelines in place for an event like the June heat dome.[[File:HeatHistory.jpg|alt=Timeline/history of temperatures in Portland 1938-2021|thumb|''Daily maximum temperatures in Portland, 1938 - 2021. The three isolated points above the fray represent June 26 - 28, 2021. Click to enlarge.''<ref>Data: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration via Oregon Live; Graphic by Cedric Scherer.</ref>|600x600px]] | * '''Regional response inexperience with temperature extremes at this level.''' For example, at the time, PBEM did not have Operational Guidelines in place for an event like the June heat dome.[[File:HeatHistory.jpg|alt=Timeline/history of temperatures in Portland 1938-2021|thumb|''Daily maximum temperatures in Portland, 1938 - 2021. The three isolated points above the fray represent June 26 - 28, 2021. Click to enlarge.''<ref>Data: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration via Oregon Live; Graphic by Cedric Scherer.</ref>|600x600px]] | ||