Heat Warning Remains
The excessive heat warning remains in place for much of the area east of Florence. The National weather service says temperatures today in Mapleton will be at the 100 degree mark and will be in the mid 90s tomorrow, prompting the extension of the warning. Here along the coast temperatures are expected to get close to 80 degrees and decrease to the mid to low 70’s for tomorrow. The warmer temperatures did not dissuade gatherings for the fourth of July Celebrations. They continued over the weekend with another fireworks show at Siltcoos Lake with hundreds of people gathering for the event. Here in Florence the port parking lot and most of the street parking was taken up by individuals looking to escape the heat in Eugene where temperatures with around the 105 degree mark. Eugene will spend the next two days with over 100 degree temperatures.
ODA Shellfish Toxin Latest Report
The Oregon Department of Agriculture still has a ban on mussel harvesting on the coast from the Washington border to the North Jetty of Coos Bay. The levels of PSP are still to high for safe consumption according to their latest report. However the ODA is saying that Bay clams continue to test below the limit of the dangerous toxin and is open for the entire coastline. The ODA is reporting that they are testing weekly for toxins. Razor clams continue to have high levels of PSP and harvesting is currently closed from Yachats to the North Jetty of Coos Bay. Crabbing is also open along the entire coast.
Saturday Crash
A crash on Saturday afternoon on highway 101 2 miles north of Gardiner caused a delay for travelers. Traffic was affected in both directions. The accident caused about a two hour delay. Oregon State Police did not provide any further details on the wreck.
Options for Cooling Down
As Oregon sees its first major heat event of the summer, some simple tips can help you keep your home cooler. With Most of Oregon under a heat advisory over the holiday weekend. And with summer just starting, Cameron Starr with Energy Trust of Oregon says more hot days are likely ahead. He says one recommendation is to keep out heat by pulling down window shades during the hottest part of day, and open windows when temperatures cool down.
“During that time when it’s cool outside, a box fan or window-mounted fan on the shady side of the house can really be effective in drawing in cool air.”
Excessive heat can be dangerous. Starr says cooling centers are open across the state for people struggling with the heat. He also notes that you can visit many local businesses with air conditioning to cool down.
