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

Weather forecasters predict record-setting temperatures across Western Washington this weekend, with highs expected to reach the low 100s in North Bend & Snoqualmie Saturday, June 26 – Monday, June 28th.

With nighttime lows remaining in the low 70s, overnight cooling could be limited in homes without air conditioning.

The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Watch that runs from Friday afternoon through Monday night, with Monday expected to be the hottest day.

Current statewide Covid-19 restrictions will significantly limit the ability to establish designated cooling locations in buildings like City Hall, the North Bend library and the Snoqualmie Valley Hospital, which remain closed or at limited capacity.

However, the public is invited to visit any of the following cooling locations in Snoqualmie.

Snoqualmie Fire Station

37600 Snoqualmie Pkwy 425-888-1551

Fire Station Community Room

Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Masks are required.

Friday-Monday (daytime): Stop by the Fire Station to cool off with a misting fan, tent, and drinking water.

Snoqualmie Library
7824 Center Blvd SE in Snoqualmie, 425-888-1223
Hours: Saturday 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.

Masks are required, and will be provided if needed. Drinking water will be available.

Snoqualmie Valley YMCA
35018 SE Ridge St on Snoqualmie Ridge, 425-256-3115

Cooling Shelter Hours: Sunday 10 a.m.–1 p.m.; M-Th 7-11 a.m. and 3:00-7:30 p.m.

Light snacks and bottled water are allowed.

All ages welcome. Photo ID is required for anyone 16 or older.

Transportation to Cooling Locations

Snoqualmie Valley Transportation Information
Convenient transportation is provided 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.

The cities are advising residents without air conditioning to take proactive steps to keep homes as cool as possible during this potential historic multi-day heatwave – and if possible, consider options like visiting shopping malls, movie theaters, restaurants or relatives whose homes have air conditioning. Reminder: never leave a child, adult, or animal alone inside a vehicle on a warm/hot day. 

If you’re heading to our local rivers and lakes, we advise caution as the above-average mountain snowpack is still melting, which has led to fast currents and cold temperatures in local waterways. Cold water and fast currents can quickly overcome swimmers. Heading out on a boat? Don’t forget your life jacket.

Remember, during times of extreme heat, your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. Older adults, children, sick and overweight individuals are at greater risk of extreme heat.

During Periods of Extreme Heat:

Drink plenty of fluids.
Avoid strenuous activities.
Wear light clothing.
Find air conditioning.
Check on family members and neighbors.
Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
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 outside.
Add insulation to keep the heat out.
Use a powered attic ventilator, or attic fan, to regulate a building’s attic heat level by clearing hot air.
Install window air conditioners and insulate them.

SYMPTOMS OF HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES AND WHAT TO DO:

Pets and Heat

The first and foremost danger to dogs in hot weather is the car. Don’t let your dog fall victim to the “I’ll only be a few minutes” syndrome. It doesn’t matter how much your dog loves the car or how quick you think your trip will be. Just say no to dogs in cars.

You can park in the shade and roll the windows down, but it still isn’t safe. Cars, especially dark cars, can climb 10 to 15 degrees in temperature in only ten minutes and nearly 40 degrees in a half-hour.

Try putting on a winter coat and park your car in the shade on a hot day with the windows cracked. If it’s hard for you to tolerate, it will be hard for them to tolerate – even more so because you can sweat, a dog cannot.

A rise in body temperature of 5 or 6 degrees can kill a dog. The absolute highest allowable temperature for my dog to be in the car is 65 – and that’s with a cooling pad and water. Be a good dog friend and leave your buddy at home.

Pooch Heat Stroke / Exhaustion

Next comes heat stroke and exhaustion. When the days get really hot, it’s best to exercise your dog in the early morning or near dusk when the temperatures are cooler. Always carry water and give them a break if they start panting furiously. Watch the concrete temperature too. Dogs cool themselves through panting and through the pads on their feet. Make sure they have lots of clean water and shade if they spend a lot of time outdoors.