Sunshine seekers, rejoice! The heat is on

PORTLAND, Ore. – It's still spring but the weather this weekend will feel more like summer, with temperatures on Sunday expected to reach into the high 80s and 90 degrees by Monday.

Portlanders were already enjoying the warm weather Friday and cooling off in the water fountain at Jamison Square in Northwest Portland. City workers installed some last-minute parts in the morning, enabling the fountain to be turned on just in time for the weekend.

Crews with the city's parks department also worked to clean up and ensure that everything was ready to go for the expected hot weather.

"(Residents) can know their parks and recreation facilities are open and ready for any kind of crowd, and our rangers are here to help people out," said Mark Ross with Portland Parks and Recreation. "The water's flowing, the playgrounds are open - the recreation centers with our indoor pools are great places to cool off."

Many people may decide to cool off in area rivers, but KATU meteorologist Dave Salesky warns the water will still be dangerously cold with temperatures ranging from the high 40s to the low 50s.

An additional hazard will be swift currents and high river levels from cold mountain runoff.

Visitors to some of the popular water spots in the next couple days, like High Rocks and Glenn Otto Park, should be aware that lifeguards will not be on duty. They are not scheduled until Memorial Day weekend.

For those who may be taking the boat out watch for hidden dangers in the water. With all the high river levels, logs or large debris will be just below the surface.

Also, don't forget that while adults are not required by law to wear life jackets children are. Authorities will be out on the water enforcing that law this weekend and also watching for speeders.

Another don't is leaving pets in the car during hot weather. Even a short amount of time can be deadly. According to Multnomah County Animal services, on an 85-degree day the temperature can reach 120 degrees inside a car. They also say not to leave dogs in the back of trucks. The metal can heat up and burn their feet.

Another alternative to cool off this weekend might be the coast. Temperatures there will be in the low 70s.

Salesky says if the temperatures reach the 90s this weekend, it will be the first time since 2008 that that's happened in the month of May. High-temperature records are at risk of being broken, too, especially on Saturday and Monday, where the temperatures reached 87 and 86 degrees respectively on those days in 1973.

Make sure to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and submit your photos and video of your weekend fun to YouNews.

More on KATU's weather page

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