Health Alert: Extreme Heat Could Impact Washington Residents this Week

This is a Health Alert from the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) regarding a period of hot and dry weather starting Friday, August 22. This hot weather may pose major health risks, especially to sensitive groups.

Current Situation

The National Weather Service has forecasted a potentially dangerous long-duration heat event for Washington State and the Western US, beginning today, August 22, and extending to midweek next week. During this time, elevated daytime temperatures and limited cooling at night may pose a moderate to major risk for heat-related illnesses, with a few areas under extreme heat risk. Extreme Heat Warnings have been issued by NWS Pendleton, NWS Spokane and NWS Portland, including areas in Clark, Cowlitz and parts of the Columbia Gorge; Omak and north central Washington; and south central and southeast Washington to Lewiston. NWS Seattle forecasts major heat risk over the weekend in parts of western Washington as well.

Actions Requested

  • Local health jurisdictions, tribal health partners, health care providers, emergency responders, and residents should be aware that extreme heat and wildfire smoke can have serious impacts on health.
  • Cooling shelters may consider extended hours, especially when nighttime temperatures are elevated.
  • Be aware that certain groups of people may be at elevated risk for health impacts of heat and poor air quality, including:
    • People without access to Air Conditioning (AC) or filtration for cleaner indoor air
    • Older adults (65+)
    • Pregnant people
    • Infants and young children
    • People with chronic illnesses, such as asthma, heart disease, and diabetes
    • People taking medications that can affect the body’s ability to control temperature
    • Unhoused people
    • People with substance use disorders or people who consume large amounts of alcohol
    • People who are socially isolated or have limited mobility
    • People who spend time outdoors, such as construction workers, agricultural workers, and outdoor athletes
  • Health care providers, emergency responders, and residents should be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses, including:
    • Heat Stroke, a life-threatening medical emergency – Call 9-1-1 if you suspect someone is showing signs of heat stroke.
      • Hyperthermia/High body temperature (103°F or higher)
      • Tachycardia/Elevated pulse
      • Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
      • Headache
      • Dizziness
      • Nausea
      • Mental status changes/confusion
      • Syncope/Fainting
    • Heat Exhaustion
      • Heavy sweating
      • Tachycardia/Elevated pulse
      • Cold, pale, and clammy skin
      • Nausea or vomiting
      • Muscle cramps
      • Tiredness or weakness
      • Dizziness
      • Headache
      • Syncope/Fainting
  • High-risk groups should be advised to avoid spending time outside during high temperature and/or poor air quality days; people who must spend time outside should take frequent breaks and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
  • Be aware that when extreme heat and wildfire smoke overlap, there can be even greater risk to health, especially for high-risk groups.
  • Share information about community cooling centers widely: Anyone in Washington can dial
  • 2-1-1 during business hours, or visit wa211.org any time for lists of Extreme Weather Shelters and Cooling Centers.
  • Employers in Washington should refer to Washington Labor & Industries (Washington LNI) for rules & recommendations about protecting workers from extreme heat.
  • Follow weather forecasts from the National Weather Service (NWS), use the NWS HeatRisk tool to find the latest heat-related health risk forecast for your area, and visit the WA Smoke Blog for wildfire, smoke, and air quality forecasts.

Background

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; in addition, wildfire risks and wildfire smoke events have increased in Washington as the climate warms. Heat-related deaths are 100% preventable.

Resources

Contact

For questions related to DOH resources for extreme heat, please contact the Washington State Department of Health Climate & Health Team or the DOH Public Information Officer.

To read this and other WA HAN messages, please visit the Washington Health Alert Network webpage.