The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the north and central Washington coast.
The advisory remains in effect for Thursday afternoon through Saturday as record highs are likely in many places. Maximum temperatures are expected to reach the mid-80s to lower 90s with a few mid-90s away from the water.
Meanwhile the Commissioner of Pubilc Lands has issues a statewide burn ban, All outdoor burning, including campfires, is banned on forestlands under Department of Natural Resources fire protection as of noon Wednesday.
The Weather Service warns that sensitive groups like the elderly and those working or exercising outdoors may experience adverse health effects such as dehydration or heat-related illness. People are being advised to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors.
The public is reminded to never leave children, pets or the elderly unattended in a parked vehicle under any circumstances. Car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.
According to the Department of Labor and Industries, symptoms of heat exhaustion may include headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion and light-headedness.
A person who has these symptoms must be moved to a cool, shaded area and monitored closely. Give the person sips of water; fan them, mist them with cool water or wipe them with a wet cloth; and if they don’t feel better in a few minutes, call for emergency help. Heat exhaustion can quickly advance to heat stroke, a potentially deadly condition.
L&I cautions people who perform outside physical work, especially in construction and agricultural workplaces to consider these tips to help prevent serious illness:
• Start work well hydrated and drink as much as a cup of water every 15 minutes.
• Watch co-workers for signs of heat-related illness, such as headaches, dizziness or nausea.
• Pace your work and take scheduled breaks.
• Wear lightweight clothing and remove protective gear when it’s safe to do so.
• Avoid drinking caffeine or eating a heavy meal.
A fire weather watch has also been issued for Western Washington, including our region for the same time period this week. Circumstances are such that northeast east winds will combine with low humidity and hot temperatures to create a red flag warning for all of Pacific County that will be in effect from midnight Aug. 19 through midnight Aug. 20.
A red flag warning is the highest alert. These conditions in combination with extremely dry fuels create extreme fire danger. An outdoor burn ban is in effect for all of Pacific County. The public is asked to observe the safety rules related to all outdoor cooking, campfires (where allowed) and when discarding matches and cigarettes.
