Western Washington is headed into a stretch of hot weather this week, with a heat advisory in effect from 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 21 through 11 p.m. Wednesday, July 22 for much of the region, including the lowlands from Whatcom County south through Thurston and Lewis counties. Daytime highs are expected to reach the mid-80s to mid-90s, while overnight temperatures will remain in the 60s.
Wildfire smoke
The same hot, dry conditions are also increasing wildfire danger. Smoke from existing fires in eastern Washington, northern Idaho and potentially Canada could drift into parts of western Washington, especially the northwest interior, leading to reduced air quality.
If wildfire smoke moves into the area, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. A simple DIY air cleaner can help improve indoor air quality by attaching a high-efficiency furnace filter to the back of a box fan with tape or bungee cords. Place the fan in the room where you spend the most time, making sure the airflow follows the arrow printed on the filter.
If you need to be outdoors when air quality is poor, consider wearing a well-fitting N95 or KN95 respirator mask. Unlike cloth or surgical masks, these respirators can filter out the fine particles found in wildfire smoke when worn properly.
Where to cool down
If you don’t have air conditioning at home, Seattle offers several free places to cool down. Seattle Public Library branches and many community centers are air-conditioned and open to the public during regular business hours, providing a safe place to escape the heat. Shopping malls, grocery stores, and other public buildings can also offer temporary relief during the hottest parts of the day.
Forecasters expect temperatures to ease back into the 70s by the end of the week. Until then, be sure to stay hydrated, check on neighbors and pets, and keep an eye on local forecasts for any changes in air quality conditions.
