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The extreme heat is pushing the electricity grid to its breaking point. On Sunday, Portland General Electric said around 5,000 residents were without power.

Lack of air conditioning is a problem for many, as the typically moderate and cool weather most parts of the year means most residents don't bother installing A/C.

In neighboring Seattle, for example, only 44% of residents own air conditioners.

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Portland broke records three days in a row, hitting 108 on Saturday, 112 on Sunday and then 116 on Monday....

In Seattle, the temperature rose to 108 on Monday. In Pasco, Wash., the mercury climbed to 118 degrees, the hottest temperature the state has recorded since 1961.

In some places, the heat is so intense it has even melted power cables. In downtown Portland, the Portland Streetcar service shut down on Sunday, posting a picture on Twitter of a power cable with a hole burnt into it....

In Everson, Wash., temperatures have caused the pavement to soften and expand. This can create rutting, buckling, and potholes, particularly in high-traffic areas.