Photos show how Pacific Northwesterners are surviving amidst a record-setting heat wave

• Seattle and Portland hit all-time high temperatures on Sunday as the Pacific Northwest grapples with an ongoing heat wave.
• Hospitals in the region are reporting increasing numbers of heat-related hospitalizations.
• Local photographers captured images of residents in the region taking every possible step avoid overheating.

The Pacific Northwest is in the midst of a heatwave that's stifling local infrastructure and endangering the lives of millions as both Portland and Seattle hit all-time high temperatures of 112 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit on Sunday.

Experts are warning that heatwaves in the region may also bring along droughts, wildfires, water shortages, and additional power blackouts as the region grapples with the ramifications brought on by the extreme weather.

Photographers in the area documented the effects the record heat has had on the region, from freshly-setup cooling centers to an increase in heat-related hospitalizations:

Local governments set up cooling centers to save locals and their pets from overheating

About 5,000 Portland residents lost power amidst triple-digit heat on Sunday according to Portland General Electric. Municipalities in the northwest are turning convention halls and former COVID-19 isolation sites into cooling centers to let people escape the heat.

Multnomah County in Oregon reported at least 240 people used the locally-provided cooling centers on Saturday.

Hospitals are dealing with an influx of heat-related hospitalizations

Seattle's Harborview Medical Center told KING 5 News on Thursday that local hospitals were preparing for increased hospitalizations from the heatwave. Tri-County Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Vines told KATU 2 News that emergency rooms in the Portland area are at capacity.

At least fourteen people checked into Portland-area hospitals over the weekend due to heat-related condition, Vines said.

High temperatures melted the power cables of Portland's streetcar system

The city of Portland announced on Sunday that its streetcars were out of service after the heat melted a power cable. Streetcar and MAX Light Rail service in the city is expected to be out until at least Tuesday morning.

Normally a region that doesn't need air conditioning, stores in the Northwest are running out of units

The US Census Bureau found in 2019 that Seattle has the least number of air conditioning units of any major city in the country with just 44% of homes containing AC. Portland, for comparison, reported having air conditioning in 79% of homes.

People clamored to public parks and water fountains to cool down

Northwesterners are using every public resource to cool down amidst the heat. National Park officials issued warnings to bring additional water while hiking to stay hydrated and to avoid over exertion.

"There is no shame in turning around if the trail is too strenuous or you are not properly prepared - your friends and family will thank you," Olympic National Park officials said on Friday.