SEATTLE — Temperatures are forecasted to be in the 80s and even the low 90s this weekend in western Washington, which marks the first stretch of hot weather in 2022.
A Heat Advisory is in place from noon on Saturday until 11 p.m. on Monday, which means the risk of heat-related illnesses will be elevated for heat-sensitive groups, like the elderly, and infants, and also people without access to "effective cooling or hydration," the National Weather Service warned.
Those looking to find cooling centers near them can look on wa211.org or dial 211. People are encouraged to call ahead to make sure cooling centers are open and find hours of operation.
In the city of Seattle, 19 library locations will be serving as heat relief centers this weekend. Find a list of libraries with air conditioning here.
The City of Tacoma is working with the Korean Women's Association (KWA) to operate a cooling and air quality relief center at Lighthouse Activity Center on 5106 A St. when temperatures reach above 90 degrees. The center can accommodate 50 people at a time and is open to walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis.
All eight Tacoma Public Library locations will also be open Tuesday through Saturday. Find a list of locations and hours here.
For Snohomish County residents, the city has a list of cooling centers available on its website.
Symptoms of heat-related illness:
It's important to know the warnings and symptoms of heat-related illness ahead of forecasted high temperatures this weekend.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists the symptoms of heat stroke as:
- Hot, red, dry or damp skin
- A fast, strong pulse
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Losing consciousness
- A high body temperature (103 degrees or higher.)
If someone is experiencing heat stroke, the CDC recommends calling 911, moving the person to a cooler place, helping lower the person's body temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath and avoiding giving the person anything to drink.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Heavy sweating
- Cold, pale and clammy skin
- Fast, weak pulse
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Tiredness or weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fainting
The CDC recommends moving the person to a cooler place, loosening clothing, putting wet cloths on the person's body or taking a cool bath and sipping water. Seek emergency medical attention if the person is throwing up, if symptoms get worse or if they last for longer than one hour.