Weather forecasters are predicting more hot weather for our region, with North Bend area temperatures expected to hover in the low to upper 90s for Wednesday, August 11, through Saturday, August 14. With nighttime lows remaining in the upper 60s on Thursday and Friday, overnight cooling could be limited in homes without air conditioning.
The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning that runs from Wednesday afternoon through Saturday evening, with Friday expected to be the hottest day.
Garbage/Recycling Collection Update:
Due to the extreme heat and for the safety of its employees, Republic Services will begin garbage/recycling/yard waste collections at 6 am on August 12th and 13th. All attempts will be made to service customers. However, due to the safety/concern of employees, some routes could be left incomplete if health concerns are raised due to the heat. Any customers missed may put out double the normal volume on their next regular collection day.
Waste Management is also preparing for the excessive heat warning this week with an early start on August 12. For Thursday residential collection, drivers will start their pickup service one hour earlier to help keep personnel and trucks off the road during the hottest times of the day. Please plan accordingly by setting out your containers early – by 5:30 a.m. if possible for a 6 a.m. start.
Farmers Market Canceled
Si View Metro Parks has made the difficult decision to cancel the North Bend Farmers Market on Thursday, August 12th due to the excessive heat warning. The health and safety of the market shoppers, vendors, volunteers, and staff is the highest priority. While the market operates into the evening hours, event setup takes place during the hottest part of the day with minimal shade. Si View Parks is confident this is the safest option for everyone. The Farmers Market team is exploring options for extending the season by one week into mid-September. Normal market operations will resume Thursday, August 19th, 4-8 pm.
Cooling Locations include:
- North Bend Library: Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10am – 5pm.
- Mt. Si Senior Center: Thursday and Friday, 9am – 4pm. (Residents 50+)
- North Bend City Hall: Thursday, 8:30am – 12pm & 1pm – 4:30pm; Friday, 8:30am – 12pm
- Snoqualmie Fire Station: Wednesday afternoon-Sunday morning. Masks are required
- Snoqualmie Library: Wednesday 1-8 p.m., Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. Masks are required, and will be provided if needed. Drinking water will be available.
- Snoqualmie Valley YMCA: M-Th 5 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Light snacks and bottled water are allowed. All ages welcome. Photo ID is required for anyone 16 or older.
Snoqualmie Valley Transportation Information
Convenient transportation is provided Monday-Friday throughout the Snoqualmie Valley by Snoqualmie Valley Transportation for only $1 per ride.
- The Loop circulates in downtown North Bend and downtown Snoqualmie at fixed locations.
- The Valley Shuttle has a fixed schedule between North Bend and Duvall.
- Demand Response Service (Dial-a-Ride) is available throughout Snoqualmie and North Bend. Call 425-888-7001 to schedule a ride.
Reminder: Please do not leave pets or children in parked cars, even with windows down. Vehicles can reach unsafe temperatures within minutes in extreme heat.
Health and Home Cooling Tips:
During times of extreme heat, your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. Older adults, children, sick and overweight are at greater risk of the effects of extreme heat.
During Periods of Excessive Heat:
- Find air conditioning.
- Avoid strenuous activities.
- Wear light clothing.
- Check on family members and neighbors.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Never leave people or pets in a closed car.
Tips to Keep Your Home Cool:
- Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.
- Cover windows with drapes or shades.
- Keep windows closed to keep heat out.
- Weather-strip doors and windows.
- Use window reflectors such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard to reflect heat back outside.
- Add insulation to keep the heat out.
- Use a powered attic ventilator, or attic fan, to regulate the heat level of a building’s attic by clearing hot air.
- Install window air conditioners and insulate around them.
Rivers and lakes are still cold, even though it’s hot outside. That can sap even strong swimmers’ strength in a matter of minutes. Wear a personal flotation device and avoid alcohol. Learn more about water safety and drowning prevention.
Call 911 with any heat-related health concerns.
Find more tips for dealing with heat on the King County website.
[Information courtesy of the cities North Bend & Snoqualmie]
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[…] We’ve compiled a list of cooling centers around the Sno-Valley to help you beat the heat. The Living Snoqualmie blog has also put together tips to keep your home cool and how to identify heat exhaustion. Check it out here. […]