Currently in Portland — November 20th, 2023: Real cold just around the corner

The weather, currently.

The real cold is just around the corner—and we’re sliding into the part of fall where we get some very cold, but clear and even sunny days. By the end of the week we’ll have consistent overnight temps below freezing, so if there’s any winter prep you’ve been avoiding, this is your real last chance. We’re also getting snow in the Cascades, with significant snowfall at elevations above 4000’. Down in Portland proper, Monday will ease us into these cooler trends. The high will only make it to around 50, but the overnight low will only drop to around 40. And after some morning fog and clouds we’re likely to see a fair amount of sun in the afternoon.

— Stella Harris

What you need to know, currently.

On Friday night in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil a fan of Taylor Swift tragically died at her concert during a major heatwave.

According to Brazilian news (Portuguese link) more than 1,000 fans required medical treatment with the heat index rising to 59.7°C (139°F) — conditions so extreme they are almost unlivable.

There are a lot of rumors circulating about exactly what happened, but one thing is clear: this was not an isolated incident.

On the very same day, globally averaged temperatures surpassed 2.0°C above pre-industrial levels for the very first time.

Sadly, this is what climate change looks like — complex, compounding tragedies that occur with increasing frequency.

— Eric Holthaus

What you can do, currently.

Everyone deserves to thrive. Everyone is worthy of a better world. That’s why we’re building a weather service for the climate emergency.

Currently’s new weather service is now live. In the weeks and months ahead, we’ll be continually adding more features and opening up more slots as we develop the service.

But for now, space is limited in the weather service because I want to make sure we can provide the highest quality service we possibly can while we work to refine the system with your input.

If you’d like to put your name on the waiting list, be sure to fill out our baseline survey if you haven’t already which will hold your spot in line.

Our goal — as always — is to co-create the most personalized, most informative weather service that exists. And, above all, to make this service accessible, equitable, and resilient enough to bring safety and joy to the climate emergency.