PORTLAND, Ore. -- The strongest heat wave in decades has made air conditioners a hot ticket in Portland, but many retail stores said they likely won't be receiving any more for the rest of the summer.

Customers at Ankeny Hardware in southeast Portland lined up for a much-awaited shipment of air conditioners Wednesday morning. Shoppers said the air conditioning units were well worth the wait, but those still in need will find things a lot tougher the rest of this week.

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Nearly every store in the Portland metro area was out of stock Wednesday. Costco in Tigard sold out in minutes Wednesday morning and Standard TV and Appliance was cleaned out Tuesday.

Dave Gander, who works at Standard, said his phones rang all day as people inquired about air conditioning unit. Aside from two floor models that require 220 volts, Gander said he likely won't receive anymore.

"We usually get them in once a year," Gander said. "So, hopefully, shop early next year."

Gander said a supplier could come through at the last minute and he recommends shoppers keep making phone calls. Area residents admit there are many people in for a tough week if the heat sticks around.

"Portlanders don't do too well in extremes so I'm sure there's going to be a lot of complaining and sweaty people looking depressed," said Erica Naito-Campbell, who lives in Portland.

The Home Depot store at Murray Boulevard and Highway 26 was also sold out. The store, along with other Home Depot stores, did not expect to receive any more units for the rest of the summer.

Nearly Every Store Out Of Air Conditioners