Heat wave heading for Olympia area this weekend, NWS warns. Fire danger elevated too
Above normal hot and dry weather is expected in the Olympia area this weekend and into next week, the National Weather Service warns.
The forecast shows sunny days ahead with high temperatures in the low 90s and low temperatures mostly in the 60s. Normally, the Olympia area sees an average maximum temperature of about 78 degrees in August, according to federal climate data.
As a result, the NWS has issued a heat advisory that lasts from 5 a.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Tuesday. The advisory, which affects portions of northwest and west central Washington, warns that these conditions will significantly increase the risk of heat-related illness for people who are sensitive to heat.
That will be especially true for people without adequate access to air conditioning or water. As a precaution, the NWS advises the public to drink plenty of water, stay in temperature-controlled rooms, avoid the sun and check on relatives and neighbors.
“Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances,” the advisory says.
Those who do spend time outside are advised to reschedule strenuous activities to the early morning or evening, wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing and schedule rest breaks in shade or air-conditioned environments.
Those who get overwhelmed by the heat ought to move into shade or an air-conditioned environment, the advisory says. If someone experiences heat stroke, call 911.
The hot conditions are being caused by strong high pressure over the west, according to a NWS forecast discussion.
Strong high pressure is expected to stall over the Pacific Northwest from Sunday through Wednesday. During that time, temperatures are forecast to remain well above normal in the mid 80s and 90s.
In addition to the heat, the NWS warns that fire danger remains elevated in the region. Daytime humidities are anticipated to be in the 20-30% range, according to a Wednesday briefing.
