The average high temperature for July in Seattle is 75.1°F; in Portland, Oregon, it’s 78.9°F.

But the recent record-setting temperatures during the Pacific Northwest’s relentless heat wave—forecasts call for the mercury to climb to 109°F in Portland this afternoon—have made the usual summer weather something for area residents to dream of. “It’s very uncomfortable for us. I don’t have air conditioning because we get so little hot weather,” Virginia Lindtott told KING5 news in Seattle.

Since few folks in that part of the country have air conditioning at home—one local TV station put the number at only 15 percent—heat-weary Washingtonians and Oregonians are desperately seeking some relief from the heat. Watch this video of Washington state residents queuing up to buy air conditioners and read local coverage of the infernal weather from The Seattle Times and The Oregonian.

If you live in the Pacific Northwest or any other part of the country where Mother Nature’s doling out oppressive weather, use the information below to find the best, most energy-efficient, and cost-effective ways to stay cool.

And since the National Weather Service is predicting the heat to linger for the next couple of days in the Seattle and Portland areas (the image shows an NWS map for part of Oregon), follow these tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to avoid heat-related illness. e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook

Free Air Conditioners Buying Guide

July 2009 Report on Air Conditioning (story and ratings available to subscribers)

Information on Portable Air Conditioners (available to subscribers)

Free Sizing Calculator for Air Conditioners

Details on Ceiling Fans