Heat Forecast for Western Washington this Weekend: Hot Weather Tips for People & Pets

[Weather Forecast by Mark Davis]

Many areas of Western Washington, including the Snoqualmie Valley, have a Heat Advisory in effect from Saturday 2 pm until Monday 8 pm.

This is the earliest Heat Advisory I can remember, and the start of summer isn’t until June 21st. The highs will be in the low to mid-90s until Monday. Most of Western WA and Oregon are under this Heat Advisory.

The CPC map has most of the PNW as well above average, for this time of the year, with high temperatures lasting through May 18th.

On Sunday, our normal east winds will kick up early to midafternoon and will cause the temps to rise rather quickly. 25 to 30mph gusts are possible. Even though the temps will be higher on Sunday, the breeze will help to make it feel cooler.

Some models are showing thunderstorms on Monday, but still a little far out to tell if that’ll happen.

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High temperatures can lead to health risks for people and pets

Heat exhaustion is serious and can be fatal. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke in yourself and others. Drink plenty of water. Avoid dehydration, which can occur when relying on drinks with caffeine or high sugar levels. Also, avoid alcohol. Call 911 immediately if you know someone who experiences symptoms.

Car temperatures can reach 10 degrees higher than the outside temperature. Do not leave children or people with mobility challenges in a parked car, even with the windows down. Call 911 immediately if you see unattended children or people in distress in parked cars.

Do not leave pets unattended in cars in the heat. King County animal control officers will respond to calls about animals in distress due to the heat. Call 206-296-7387 for assistance. Read about heat safety tips for pets on the ASPCA website.

Keep outdoor pets safe in the heat and ensure they are protected from heat. Walk on grass instead of asphalt, which can burn your pet’s paws.

River Safety – It’s Still Cold

With temperatures potentially as high as 91 degrees by Saturday, please be careful as you venture out and head for your favorite river spot. The air may be hot, but the rivers are cold and running fast, especially with mountain runoff.

Other key recommendations from the Washington Department of Health for heat safety include:

Stay indoors and in an air-conditioned environment as much as possible.
Keep your home cool by closing windows and shades during daylight hours. Use your stove and oven less to keep temperatures cooler inside.
Check on your friends, family, and neighbors before bedtime. Assist those vulnerable or at higher risk, neighbors who are elderly, ill, or may need help.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids but don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
Take frequent breaks when working outdoors. Wear wide-brimmed hats, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, and protect your skin from sunburn.
Do not rely on a fan as your only cooling source. While electric fans might provide some comfort, they won’t prevent heat-related illness when temperatures are very hot.
Avoid extreme temperature changes. Warm temperatures do not necessarily mean warm water. Rivers and lakes are still very cold this time of year, and jumping into cold open water can result in shock, arrhythmias, and drowning. Cold showers combined with hot body temperatures can cause hypothermia, especially for elders and children. Ease into temperature changes.
Check for restrictions or warnings in your area before lighting outdoor fires. High temperatures and dry conditions increase wildfire risk.

Public Cooling Locations Available in Snoqualmie

Cool off for a few hours or more in the following locations: