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 noon Tuesday through Friday night as highs are expected to be in the 90s with overnight lows in the low to mid 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 Tuesday through Friday. 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
The city of Mukilteo opened a cooling center at the Rosehill Community Center, located at 304 Lincoln Ave. The center will be open from 7 a.m. – 9 a.m. on July 25-28, and from 7 a.m. until midnight on July 29.
At least 27 cooling centers are open throughout Snohomish County. Click here for a list and more information.
In the south Sound, the city of Tacoma is opening a cooling center Tuesday at the Lighthouse Activity Center. The center will be open from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. until temperatures are less than 90 degrees. The Lighthouse Activity Center can accommodate 50 people and is first come, first served.
Pierce Transit is offering free rides to cooling centers throughout the week.
The city of Lacey is also opening a cooling center specifically for seniors at Virgil S. Clarkson Senior Center, located at 6757 Pacific Avenue SE. The center, which is operating in partnership with Senior Services for South Sound, will be open Tuesday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Cooling centers also opened across the city of Seattle in response to the heat wave. Four community centers with air conditioning in the city will be open starting July 26 from 2-8 p.m. The centers will remain open through at least Thursday, July 28. At least five senior centers in Seattle will also serve as cooling centers during the heat wave. Click here for more information and a list of locations.
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 also serve as a cooling shelter for residents this week. The Civic Center, located at 525 West Cota Street in Shelton, will open on July 26 from 9 a.m. until 8 a.m. The city said it will add additional days the cooling center will be open “as needed.” Public bathrooms, water, internet access and outlets will be available.
Thurston County declared a three-day, three-night hazardous weather event in response to the extreme heat. The county said a fourth day may be added pending “staffing and volunteer availability.” A cooling shelter will be open from 2-8 p.m. between July 26-28 at 201 NW Capitol Way for anyone seeking shelter. Donations of water, sunscreen, aloe, Gatorade and snacks will be accepted at the location from noon until 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday this week. Anyone wishing to donate survival goods is asked to contact Kim Kondrat at the city of Olympia at (360) 742-6448.
Thurston County said Union Gospel Mission's day center will also be open Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. for anyone needing relief from the heat. Click here for more information.
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.