NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECASTS - TAP TO OPEN/CLOSE
National Weather Service forecast for Seattle temperature, wind, and humidity
Humidity is an important factor in the Heat Index.
NWS Seattle Briefings & Information / Heat Risk
Yellow-1: Low Risk for those extremely sensitive to heat, especially those without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration
Orange-2: Moderate Risk for those who are sensitive to heat, especially those without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration
Red-3: High Risk for much of the population, especially those who are heat sensitive and those without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration
Magenta-4: Very High Risk for entire population due to long duration heat, with little to no relief overnight
Each National Weather Service Forecast Office issues some or all of the following heat-related products as conditions warrant. NWS local offices often collaborate with local partners to determine when an alert should be issued for a local area. For instance, residents of Florida are much more prepared for 90°F+ weather than residents in Alaska.
Humidity is an important factor in the Heat Index.
NWS Seattle Briefings & Information / Heat Risk
Yellow-1: Low Risk for those extremely sensitive to heat, especially those without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration
Orange-2: Moderate Risk for those who are sensitive to heat, especially those without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration
Red-3: High Risk for much of the population, especially those who are heat sensitive and those without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration
Magenta-4: Very High Risk for entire population due to long duration heat, with little to no relief overnight
Each National Weather Service Forecast Office issues some or all of the following heat-related products as conditions warrant. NWS local offices often collaborate with local partners to determine when an alert should be issued for a local area. For instance, residents of Florida are much more prepared for 90°F+ weather than residents in Alaska.
- Excessive Heat Warning—Take Action! An Excessive Heat Warning is issued within 12 hours of the onset of extremely dangerous heat conditions. The general rule of thumb for this Warning is when the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 105° or higher for at least 2 days and nighttime air temperatures will not drop below 75°; however, these criteria vary across the country, especially for areas not used to extreme heat conditions. If you don't take precautions immediately when conditions are extreme, you may become seriously ill or even die.
- Excessive Heat Watches—Be Prepared! Heat watches are issued when conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event in the next 24 to 72 hours. A Watch is used when the risk of a heat wave has increased but its occurrence and timing is still uncertain.
- Heat Advisory—Take Action! A Heat Advisory is issued within 12 hours of the onset of extremely dangerous heat conditions. The general rule of thumb for this Advisory is when the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 100° or higher for at least 2 days, and nighttime air temperatures will not drop below 75°; however, these criteria vary across the country, especially for areas that are not used to dangerous heat conditions. Take precautions to avoid heat illness. If you don't take precautions, you may become seriously ill or even die.
- Excessive Heat Outlooks—Be Aware! The outlooks are issued when the potential exists for an excessive heat event in the next 3-7 days. An Outlook provides information to those who need considerable lead-time to prepare for the event.
Bottled Water is available in B Community Room Refrigerator During Heat Advisories
Download PDF or DOCX Flyer for Posting
Download Shag flyer for Heat Precautions JPG or PDF
Download PDF or DOCX Flyer for Posting
Download Shag flyer for Heat Precautions JPG or PDF
Disclaimer: Product links are provided as examples, not recommendations. Do your research before making purchase decisions.
1. Tips to Stay Safe and Cool in a Heatwave
Hangout in air-conditioned spaces: B Building and your building's lobby or community sunroom.
Turn off unneeded appliances and electronics. Light bulbs may radiate excess heat. Change to energy-efficient bulbs as the produce less heat and can also reduce utility costs.
Cook with the stove when it's still cool outside. Use Instant Pot or Crockpot for cooking. Eat lighter meals like salad, fruit, cold meats, and sandwiches. Make fruit juice popsicles with ice cube trays and popsicle sticks.
Close shades and curtains during the day when direct sunlight can enter the apartment.
Consider adding reflective covering between windows and drapes or blinds to reflect heat out.
Option one is insulated foil. Option two is aluminum foil-covered cardboard. Option three is mylar emergency blankets. Option four is reflective non-adhesive static cling window film.
Warning: Excessive heat from reflective covers can cause double-pane window seals to leak and allow moisture to collect inside the windowpanes. To reduce heat trapped inside windowpanes, it is safer to put temporary reflective covers on the outside of double-pane windows, however that is not an option for most apartments.
Consider adding reflective covering between windows and drapes or blinds to reflect heat out.
Option one is insulated foil. Option two is aluminum foil-covered cardboard. Option three is mylar emergency blankets. Option four is reflective non-adhesive static cling window film.
Warning: Excessive heat from reflective covers can cause double-pane window seals to leak and allow moisture to collect inside the windowpanes. To reduce heat trapped inside windowpanes, it is safer to put temporary reflective covers on the outside of double-pane windows, however that is not an option for most apartments.
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting and flowing clothes. Cotton texture keeps part of the fabric away from the skin, allowing for air channels to open up. Light colors reflect light and heat. Hats should have air circulation.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and beverages several times per day. Don't wait to get thirsty. Watch for signs of dehydration: Thirst, Dry mouth, Dry skin, Infrequent urination and dark colored urine, Muscle fatigue, Reduced cognitive processing, Dizziness, Confused or dazed states of awareness.
- See Resources > Health Blog > Water Intake and Dehydration
Fill a spray bottle with cold water and spritz yourself during the day. Take a cold shower.
Place ice packs on your wrists, back of neck, groin, and temples to stay cool. Soak your feet in a bowl or tub of cold water to cool down fast. Put a cool washcloth or towel on your face, neck, or arms. Keep plastic bottles of frozen water in the freezer for cooling your skin. Rotate two ice/hot-water bags kept filled with water in the refrigerator.
Monitor your temperature with a thermometer: You might be overheating without realizing it. (This is especially true for residents living in apartments exposed to direct sunlight or are living on top floors where heat rises and the roof collects heat, making it harder to cool down at night.)
If you are thinking about getting a portable air conditioner, buy one sooner than later, as there will be shortages during heatwaves.
If A/C is too expensive, consider buying a couple of box fans. They can also be used as air filters with attached furnace filters, incase wildfires fill the air with smoke. During poor air quality conditions, you are advised to keep windows shut, exacerbating heat conditions.
If A/C is too expensive, consider buying a couple of box fans. They can also be used as air filters with attached furnace filters, incase wildfires fill the air with smoke. During poor air quality conditions, you are advised to keep windows shut, exacerbating heat conditions.
2. It's the Humidity
National Weather Service Heat Index (HI)
NWS HI charts at weather.gov/ffc/hichart & Here
This is useful for people in high-risk groups, such as seniors, inside.
Animals should also be considered for their safety.
NWS HI charts at weather.gov/ffc/hichart & Here
This is useful for people in high-risk groups, such as seniors, inside.
Animals should also be considered for their safety.
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) charts and tables give an indication of safe and unsafe work conditions in the sun for combinations of humidity and temperature.
WGBT variables include Temperature, Humidity, Solar Radiation, and Wind.
This is useful for people active outside in the sun. https://arielschecklist.com/wbgt-chart/
WGBT variables include Temperature, Humidity, Solar Radiation, and Wind.
This is useful for people active outside in the sun. https://arielschecklist.com/wbgt-chart/
WGBT vs HI: weather.gov/ict/WBGT
A major difference is WGBT is measured in sunlight and HI is measured in the shade.
A major difference is WGBT is measured in sunlight and HI is measured in the shade.
3. Signs of Heat Stroke & Heat Exhaustion
Signs of Heat Stroke Source: https://tinyurl.com/mayo-heat-stroke
Heatstroke & Heat exhaustion signs and symptoms include:
If you suspect heat stroke, call your healthcare provider immediately or call 9-1-1.
Heatstroke & Heat exhaustion signs and symptoms include:
- High body temperature. A core body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher, obtained with a rectal thermometer, is the main sign of heatstroke.
- Altered mental state or behavior. Confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures and coma can all result from heatstroke.
- Alteration in sweating. In heatstroke brought on by hot weather, your skin will feel hot and dry to the touch. However, in heatstroke brought on by strenuous exercise, your skin may feel dry or slightly moist.
- Nausea and vomiting. You may feel sick to your stomach or vomit.
- Flushed skin. Your skin may turn red as your body temperature increases.
- Rapid breathing. Your breathing may become rapid and shallow.
- Racing heart rate. Your pulse may significantly increase because heat stress places a tremendous burden on your heart to help cool your body.
- Headache. Your head may throb.
- Dizziness and fainting
- Muscle Weakness or cramps
If you suspect heat stroke, call your healthcare provider immediately or call 9-1-1.
Click slides for more heat-illness information
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To download a slide, pause, right click, save image.
4. MORE RESOURCES
HEAT.gov National Integrated Heat Health Information System
Water Intake and Dehydration | PDF Download
National Weather Service: Heat Safety Tips and Resources
Drugs That Are More Dangerous in Hot Weather
CNN: How to stay cool without air conditioning / https://tinyurl.com/cnn-stay-cool
Stay hydrated / Take a cold shower or bath / Use cold washrags on your neck or wrists / Use box fans / Close your curtains or blinds
Sleep in breathable linens / Sleep in the basement / Sleep in the basement / Don't refrigerate or freeze blankets or clothing
Close the doors of unused rooms / Use the exhaust fan in your kitchen and/or bathroom /
Use the exhaust fan in your kitchen and/or bathroom / Install energy-efficient light bulbs /
Cook in the morning, with a slow cooker or outside / Enjoy frozen treats / Research what your state offers
12 Ways to Stay Cool Without Air Conditioning / https://tinyurl.com/life-hacker-stay-cool
Water Intake and Dehydration | PDF Download
National Weather Service: Heat Safety Tips and Resources
Drugs That Are More Dangerous in Hot Weather
CNN: How to stay cool without air conditioning / https://tinyurl.com/cnn-stay-cool
Stay hydrated / Take a cold shower or bath / Use cold washrags on your neck or wrists / Use box fans / Close your curtains or blinds
Sleep in breathable linens / Sleep in the basement / Sleep in the basement / Don't refrigerate or freeze blankets or clothing
Close the doors of unused rooms / Use the exhaust fan in your kitchen and/or bathroom /
Use the exhaust fan in your kitchen and/or bathroom / Install energy-efficient light bulbs /
Cook in the morning, with a slow cooker or outside / Enjoy frozen treats / Research what your state offers
12 Ways to Stay Cool Without Air Conditioning / https://tinyurl.com/life-hacker-stay-cool
5. Webinar: Excessive Heat
Partners In Emergency Preparedness
PIEP January 2022 Webinar
https://piepc.org/january-2022-webinar/
Hot Topic This Year: Excessive Heat and Human Health
Excessive Heat Guidebook
https://www.epa.gov/heat-islands/excessive-heat-events-guidebook
Youtube
> https://youtu.be/1fuiy6PeDNw?t=210
PIEP January 2022 Webinar
https://piepc.org/january-2022-webinar/
Hot Topic This Year: Excessive Heat and Human Health
Excessive Heat Guidebook
https://www.epa.gov/heat-islands/excessive-heat-events-guidebook
Youtube
> https://youtu.be/1fuiy6PeDNw?t=210
6. Comments