SEATTLE — The National Weather Service (NWS) is warning of high temperatures through Wednesday, bringing an increased risk of heat-related illness in western Washington.
A Heat Advisory is in effect until 10 p.m. on Wednesday for much of the Interstate 5 corridor from Bellingham down to the Oregon border, and also west onto the Peninsula. High temperatures will be in the high 80s and 90s. Temperatures will remain well into the 70s in some places until after midnight, providing little opportunity for overnight cooling.
Wednesday will be the hottest day, with high temperatures in the 90s for most of the region.
The NWS warns that there will be a moderate risk for heat-related illness, especially for the young and the elderly, those who work outside, and anyone without access to effective cooling or adequate hydration.
Anyone planning to work or spend time outside is recommended to reschedule their activities to the early morning or the evening.
People should call 911 if they recognize the signs of heat stroke within themselves or others:
- Change in mental state or behavior
- Change in sweating pattern
- Nausea or vomiting
- Flushed skin
- Rapid breathing
- Racing heart rate
- Headache
- High body temperature
Smoke blowing into the region
Forecasts show wildfire smoke blowing into the western Washington and sticking around through Friday.
The smoke is emanating primarily from wildfires in Canada.
The NWS said the smoke will remain mainly aloft, meaning much of it will remain high up in the atmosphere, though some of it will hang low enough to make an impact on air quality.
IQ Air forecasts that air quality will drop into the moderate range on Tuesday, and for the most part remain there through the rest of the week.
A Fire Weather Watch is in effect for the western slopes of the north and central Cascades, generally above 1,500 feet, and the Black Hills area and southwest interior lowlands through Wednesday evening.
During the Fire Weather Watch, the NWS warns of hot, dry and unstable conditions for those areas. Gusty winds are expected along with low humidity. That, combined with warm temperatures, can contribute to the rapid spread of fires.
