The Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office reported Monday that it’s investigating four possible heat-related deaths between Friday and Sunday. Another suspected heat death has been reported in Coos County, raising the total to at least five heat-related fatalities in Oregon since Friday. The Snow on Crater Lake is long gone.

On Monday, the Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office disclosed three potential heat-related deaths of county residents. The first case was reported on Friday when a man was found dead in the Cully neighborhood. Two more deaths were reported on Sunday: one man was found in the Mt. Scott area and another in the Hazelwood neighborhood.

Additionally, on Saturday, a man from outside Multnomah County died from a suspected heat-related illness after being taken to a Portland hospital. Officials confirmed Monday that he was a resident of Clackamas County.

A fifth heat-related death was reported over the weekend in Coos County. According to the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s office, the deceased was a 33-year-old man. At this time, no additional details surrounding his death have been released.

Nearly all areas of Oregon and Southwest Washington are expected to remain under excessive heat alerts through at least Tuesday night. Governor Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency for all of Oregon last week.

Temperatures soaring into the triple digits have historically been rare in Oregon. However, the latest heat wave is part of a warming trend tied to human-caused climate change, which has become more evident in the past four years. The National Weather Service predicts temperatures will peak on Tuesday, with highs possibly reaching 105 degrees in the Willamette and Hood River valleys.

Officials have not released any additional details about the four men’s deaths. They added that the causes of death are preliminary and more tests are needed to confirm.

Heat-related illnesses are among the leading causes of death related to extreme weather. In 2021, 96 people died in a heat wave extending across the state, most of whom lived in Multnomah County.

States Not Known for Excessive Heat: The Canary in the Coal Mine

The recent tragic events in Oregon, a state not typically associated with extreme heat, serve as a stark reminder that no region is immune to the impacts of climate change. As temperatures rise and heatwaves become more frequent, areas previously considered safe from such extreme weather are becoming the new frontlines in the battle against climate change. This trend should be a wake-up call for policymakers and residents alike, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive climate action and preparedness strategies across all states.