Camas-Washougal under excessive heat advisory this week

The Camas-Washougal area is under an excessive heat advisory this week, from noon Monday, July 25, through 9 p.m. Thursday, July 28. 

The National Weather Service (NWS) warns the area will experience “dangerously hot conditions with temperatures of 98 to 103 expected” with the hottest temperatures likely coming on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 26-27. 

“Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses,” the NWS warned, “particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.”
The heat is not expected to abate at night, with overtime lows of 65 to 70 degree forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday, which the NWS warned “will provide little relief for those without air conditioning.” 

Clark County Public Health has urged residents to take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses this week.

“It’s important that people find reprieve from the heat. Spending even a few hours in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer and Public Health director. “If you don’t have air conditioning in your home, go to a cooling center or a public place with air conditioning or ask if you can visit a friend or family member with air conditioning in their home.”

The NWS urges residents to take precautions to stay healthy and safe during the extreme heat by: 

• Drinking plenty of fluids 
• Staying in an air-conditioned room 
• Staying out of the sun
• Checking up on relatives and neighbors 
• Never leaving young children or pets unattended in vehicles under any circumstances
• Taking extra precautions if you work or spend time outside
• Rescheduling strenuous activities to take place in the early morning or evening
• Knowing the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke
• Wearing lightweight and loose-fitting clothing 
• For those who have outdoor jobs, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments

“Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location,” the NWS stated in the advisory.

According to the Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA), people should also watch for signs of heat stroke, a serious condition requiring emergency medical assistance, include: 

• A body temperature over 103 degrees 
• Red, hot and dry skin with no sweating
• A rapid, strong pulse
• A throbbing headache 
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion 
• Unconsciousness 

“If you see any of these signs, have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim. Place the victim in a tub of cool water or in a cool shower, or spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose. Do not give the victim fluids to drink,” CRESA advises.

The weather forecast for the week ahead predicts temperatures will be in the high 90s and near 100 Monday through Thursday, July 25-28, with a high of 94 on Friday, July 29. The weekend forecast shows those high temperatures will begin to cool off, with highs of 86 and lows around 61 predicted for Saturday and Sunday, July 30-31.

CRESA is compiling a list of cooling centers open this week, where those who do not have access to cool, or air-conditioned spaces can go during the hottest part of the day to help stay cool. 

In Camas-Washougal, those locations include the area’s two public libraries:  

• Camas Public Library (625 N.E. Fourth Ave.): Open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday 
• Washougal Community Library (1661 “C” St.): Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.