Weekend may bring record-setting heat

Get ready for near-record, or possibly record-setting, high temperatures in Southwest Washington this weekend.

Thanks to a high-pressure system hovering over the region, Vancouver is expected to reach a high of 97 degrees Saturday and 98 degrees on Sunday. Nighttime temperatures are also expected to stay relatively high, hovering in the mid- to low 60s both nights.

“Upper 90s to approaching 100 is fairly atypical” for this time of year, said Amanda Bowen, meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Last year, the blistering heat came even earlier. Temperatures reached the 100-degree mark in the first week of June, said Bowen.

Temperatures are going to fall at the start of the workweek, thanks to a marine push of cool air coming off the Pacific Ocean. Monday’s high is expected to be 81 degrees, and Tuesday’s is expected to be 73.

The city of Vancouver and others are making available places to stay cool during this weekend’s heat wave.

The Marshall Community Center, 1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd., is fully air-conditioned. Most of the open areas at Firstenburg Community Center, at 700 N.E. 136th Ave., are ventilated with moving air but are not air-conditioned. Both places also have free Wi-Fi.

The swimming pool at the Marshall Community Center will be closed until August for renovation, but the indoor pool at Firstenburg is open.

Fitness centers and pools are available for members or by paying a drop-in fee. Hours, schedules and other information for the city community centers is available online at www.vanparksrec.org.

The Firstenburg Center is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. today, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. The Marshall Center is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. today and closed Sunday.

Also air-conditioned, and educational, is Vancouver Public Works’ Water Resources Education Center. Guests can check out aquariums and hands-on exhibits, and attractions for toddlers.

The center is open from noon to 5 p.m. today. Admission is free.

Learn more at www.cityofvancouver.us/watercenter

The Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency keeps a list of public places to cool off online at cresa911.org/blog/.

Don’t touch the metal

Meanwhile, organizers of the popular annual Recycled Arts Fest in Esther Short Park — which usually packs the park with thousands of visitors — have issued some commonsense guidelines for staying cool in that hot environment:

• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes.

• Wear a brimmed hat and sunglasses; apply sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher.

• Keep your water bottle filled and drink from it often. Ice water will be provided.

• Consider leaving your pets at home, but water for dogs also will be provided.

• Enjoy the shade. Esther Short Park is usually pleasant under the trees; extra chairs will be provided in the shade.

• Wade in the fountain at the southeast corner of the park. All ages welcome.

“We want people to have a great time, and we want them to be safe,” said Sally Fisher, festival coordinator. “By taking some simple precautions against the heat, people can enjoy themselves and safely celebrate recycled art and sustainability.”

In general

And here are some additional, general tips for avoiding heat-related problems:

• Limit intake of drinks with caffeine, alcohol or lots of sugar.

• Never leave anyone, especially young children, in a parked vehicle. Even with windows rolled down, temperatures can rise rapidly in parked vehicles.

• Seek relief in an air-conditioned location, if possible. If your home is not air-conditioned, go to the mall, a movie or the library for a few hours to cool down.

• Cool off by taking a shower or bath.

• Cut down on exercise, especially in the middle of the day.

Heat related illnesses

Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability. Warning signs include: body temperature above 103 degrees, red, hot and dry skin but no sweating, rapid pulse, throbbing headache, nausea, dizziness and confusion. If you see any of these signs, call for immediate medical assistance. Place the person in a tub of cool water or cool shower, or spray the person with cool water from a garden hose. Do not give the person anything to drink.

Less severe heat-related illnesses include heat exhaustion and muscle cramps. Signs are heavy sweating, paleness, weakness, headache and vomiting. Drink nonalcoholic, cool beverages. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last more than an hour.

For more information on heat safety, see https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.html.