SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. — Temperatures in the 90s are forecast for western Washington this week as the region experiences another heat wave.
Most of western Washington will be under an Excessive Heat Warning or a Heat Advisory from early Monday morning through Wednesday night as highs are expected to be in the 90s with overnight lows in the mid-to upper-60s, which will bring little relief from the heat.
The National Weather Service issued the advisories warning residents that heat could “pose a moderate to high risk of heat-related illnesses.”
The hottest temperatures are expected Monday through Wednesday. In response to the heat, several cooling centers are in place around the Puget Sound region for residents who are homeless or who do not have air conditioning or a place to cool off.
Many cooling centers are at community centers and libraries, but officials also suggested residents go to places like shopping malls to try and beat the heat.
Those looking to find cooling centers near them can visit wa211.org or dial 211. People are encouraged to call ahead to make sure cooling centers are open and find hours of operation.
ALSO SEE: Western Washington Forecast
At least 30 cooling centers are open throughout Snohomish County. Click here for a list and more information.
In the south Sound, the City of Tacoma opens its cooling centers when the temperature reaches 90 degrees. Cross Park at 4420 Military Road East will be a cooling center open from 1-8 p.m., Monday-Wednesday. Click here for other cooling center locations in Pierce County.
Pierce Transit is offering free rides to cooling centers throughout the week.
In Thurston County, an emergency cooling center will be open Aug. 14 through Aug. 17 at Sergio’s Place at 3444 Martin Way NE from 1-8 p.m. Find more details here.
Olympia Senior Center at 222 Columbia St. NW will serve as a cooling center for people 55 years old and up Aug. 14 and Aug. 15.
According to Thurston County’s website, other cooling center options include: Union Gospel Mission for single adults, Community Youth Services for people ages 18-24 and the Family Support Center for families.
For more information on available shelters, you can call the Thurston County Shelter Hotline at 1-844-628-7343.
Cooling centers also opened across the city of Seattle in response to the heat wave. Seattle City Hall will have a cooling center operated by the Salvation Army open Monday-Thursday of this week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Click here for more cooling center locations in Seattle.
Director of Programs for the Salvation Army Arlene Hampton emphasized how hotter than normal temperatures can be especially dangerous for the unhoused.
"Data has shown that those who are unhoused are disproportionately impacted by the weather. That can lead to heart failure, heart attack, stroke, of course acute hydration and othe medical emergencies," Hampton said.
The cooling center is also for anyone who may need somewhere to cool off, regardless of whether or not they're unhoused.
There are over a dozen libraries located in Seattle that have air conditioning where residents can try and beat the heat. Click here for a list.
The Shelton Civic Center in Mason County will serve as a cooling shelter for residents on Aug. 14 until 4:30 p.m. The Civic Center is located at 525 West Cota Street.
In Kitsap County 10 cooling centers will be open through Aug. 16. They are:
Salvation Army at 832 Sixth Street in Bremerton
Open 8 a.m.to 3:30 p.m.
KITSAP REGIONAL LIBRARY LOCATIONS
- Bainbridge Island branch at1270 Madison Avenue North
Open Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. - Kingston branch at26159 Dulay Road NE
Open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Manchester branch at 8067 E Main Street
Open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Port Orchard branch at 87 Sidney Avenue
Open Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Tuesday and Wednesday 10 a.m. from 7 p.m. - Poulsbo branch at 700 NE Lincoln Road
Open Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Tuesday and Wednesday 10 a.m. from 7 p.m. - Silverdale branch at 3650 NW Anderson Hill Road, Suite 101
Open Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Tuesday and Wednesday 10 a.m. from 7 p.m. - Sylvan Way branch at 1301 Sylvan Way.
Open Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Tuesday and Wednesday 10 a.m. from 7 p.m.
YMCA LOCATIONS
- Haselwood Family YMCA at 3909 NW Randall Way.
Open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. - Bremerton Family YMCA at 2261 Homer Jones Drive
Open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
It's important to know the warnings and symptoms of heat-related illness to help protect yourself and others against potentially life-threatening illnesses.
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 clothes 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.