Hot Weather Safety
Extreme heat is the deadliest weather-related hazard in the United States. Washington summers are getting longer, hotter, and potentially more dangerous. Extreme heat events (heat waves) are predicted to happen more often and last longer due to climate change.
Heat-related deaths are preventable. The best way to prevent heat-related illnesses and death is to follow hot weather safety precautions.
Information on Extreme Heat
CDC Extreme Heat - English / Spanish
Health Recommendations
Washington Hot Weather Precautions (Web): English / Spanish
Washington Hot Weather Precautions (PDF): English (Large Type) / Spanish / Chinese (Simplified) / Korean / Russian / Somali / Ukrainian / Vietnamese
Washington Labor & Industries Outdoor Safety for Workers: English / Spanish
Cooling Centers
During periods of extreme heat, cooling centers may be established in your area and are free to the public. Dial 2-1-1 or use the statewide online resource here to find cooling centers near you. Language assistance is available.
Cooling Without Air Conditioning
Tips to cool indoor air in a safe manner when air conditioning is not available: Cooling Indoor Spaces Without Air Conditioning
COVID-19 and Heat
CDC: COVID-19 and Cooling Centers
Research and Data
- Excess Deaths During the COVID-19 Pandemic and the 2021 Heat Dome (PDF) | Brief version (PDF) - September 2023
- Heat Dome 2021 | Spanish
- Climate Change and Heat
- Washington Tracking Network Heat Stress Data
Additional Resources
- Ready.gov Extreme Heat (web): English / Spanish / Arabic / Chinese (Simplified) / French / Haitian Creole / Japanese / Korean / Russian / Tagalog / Vietnamese
- Ready.gov Extreme Heat Safety Social Media Toolkit: English / Spanish /American Sign Language (ASL)
- National Weather Service Extreme Heat Watch/Warnings in WA
- National Weather Service Heat Safety Social Media Tools: English / Spanish
- National Weather Service Offices
- National Weather Service HeatRisk Forecast