Excessive Heat Warning in Northwest Washington

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Excessive Heat Warning (see below) remaining in effect until 9 am PDT Saturday.
Read more here.

Alert area: Bremerton and Vicinity; East Puget Sound Lowlands; Hood Canal Area; Lower Chehalis Valley Area; Southwest Interior; Tacoma Area

Excessive Heat Warning remains in effect until 9 PM PDT Saturday.

• Temperatures: climbed into the 90s Friday afternoon and are expected to do it again Saturday afternoon. Temperatures will cool into the mid 50s to mid 60s overnight.
• Timing: temperatures are expected to be the same or slightly cooler on Saturday. Expect significant cooling on Sunday. With temperatures returning to near normal.
• Impacts: hot weather increases the potential for dehydration and heat related illnesses. The elderly, the young, and those who work or exercise outdoors will be the most vulnerable to heat related illnesses if extra precautions are not taken.

• Public health has heat safety information and resources in multiple languages at http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/preparedness/beattheheat.aspx
• A summary of places to go to get cool in Seattle along with heat safety information was compiled in a press release last month and is located at http://murray.seattle.gov/seattle-cooling-shelter-locations-announced-ahead-of-heat-wave/#sthash.9BdjTWC8.Av0Lav4U.dpbs

Here are some facts about which people are at greatest risk for heat-related illness and what protective actions to take to prevent illness or death:

• People who are at highest risk are the elderly, the very young, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases
• But even young and healthy people can get sick from the heat if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather.
• Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death. If a home is not air-conditioned, people can reduce their risk for heat-related illness by spending time in public facilities that are air-conditioned.

You can take these steps to prevent heat-related illnesses, injuries, and deaths during hot weather:

• Stay in an air-conditioned indoor location
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and sunscreen.
• Schedule outdoor activities carefully.
• Pace yourself.
• Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
• Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.
• Do not leave children in cars.
• Check the local news for health and safety updates.

(Information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)