With temperatures expected in the high 90s and low triple digits starting today, cooling centers and services are open around the county.
People needing a place to escape the heat can call 360-695-9677 for assistance, according to a statement from the Council for the Homeless. The phone line is staffed 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. No referral is needed to go to a cooling space; some motel vouchers may be available for those 60 and older and families with children.
Cooling centers may require masks due to COVID-19 precautions.
The National Weather Service in Portland issued an excessive heat watch for the Vancouver-Portland area and much of Southwest Washington on Wednesday; it was downgraded to a heat advisory this morning but remains in effect through 11 p.m. Saturday.
Temperatures are expected in the upper 90s today with a high of around 100 degrees Friday. Temperatures are expected to be back in the mid-90s Saturday. Overnight lows are expected in the 70s for urban areas and the Columbia River Gorge.
The Pacific Northwest saw record temperatures at the end of June, with Vancouver setting an all-time heat record of 115 degrees on June 28. Hundreds of deaths were attributed to the heat around the Pacific Northwest. NWS Portland doesn’t expect temperatures to reach those highs this weekend.
Cooling centers in Clark County are open to everyone:
- Mill Plain United Methodist Church — 15804 S.E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver
Hours: 2 to 8 p.m. today and Friday.
Information: Pets are allowed if kenneled or on a leash. Snacks and beverages will be provided. On C- Tran bus line 37 and two blocks west of bus line 30.
- Living Hope Church — 2711 N.E. Andresen Road, Vancouver
Hours: 2 to 7 p.m. today and Friday.
Information: Light beverages and snacks will be provided. On C-Tran lines 32, 30 and 190.
- Battle Ground Community Library – 1207 S.E. Eighth Way, Battle Ground
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. today and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Information: Air conditioning, seating, water and restrooms provided. No nearby bus routes
- Ridgefield Community Library – 210 N. Main Ave., Ridgefield
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Information: Air conditioning, seating, water and restrooms available. C-Tran connector stop is a half a block away.
- Three Creeks Community Library – 800 C N.E. Tenney Road, Vancouver
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. today and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Information: Air conditioning, seating, water and restrooms available. Pets are allowed. The library has a play sprinkler that can be attached to a hose. On the C-Tran 9 bus line.
- Vancouver Mall Library – Vancouver Mall, suite 285
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Information: Air conditioning and seating are available. The Vancouver Mall Transit Center is in the parking lot of the mall.
- Vancouver Community Library – 901 C St., Vancouver
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. today and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Information: Air conditioning, seating, water and restrooms available. Service animals are allowed. Well-behaved pets on leashes or in carriers will be allowed in the Atrium and Columbia Room. On or near C-Tran bus lines 2, 25, 30, 32, 37, 60, 71 and 105
- Woodland Community Library – 770 Park St., Woodland
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Friday.
Information: Air conditioning, seating, water and restrooms available. CAP Bus limited service lowercolumbiacap.org/get-help/transportation
- Cascade Park Community Library – 600 N.E. 136th Ave., Vancouver
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Information: Air conditioning, seating, water and restrooms available. Pets are allowed. On the C-Tran bus lines 80 and 37.
- Washougal Community Center — 1681 C St., Washougal
Hours: 2 to 8 p.m. today.
Information: Air conditioning, seating, water, snacks and restrooms available. On C-Tran bus line 92.
- Washougal Community Library — 1661 C St., Washougal
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today through Saturday.
Information: Air conditioning, seating, water and restrooms available. On C-Tran bus line 92.
- La Center Community Library — 1411 N.E. Lockwood Creek Road, La Center
Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
- Camas Public Library — 625 N.E. Fourth Ave., Camas
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday
- Yacolt Express Library — Old Yacolt Town Hall, 105 E. Yacolt Road, Yacolt
Hours: 10 a.m. t0 6 p.m. today through Saturday.
- Areas with shade and bathroom access. Public Restrooms are open 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.:
Esther Short Park: 605 Esther St., Vancouver
Marshall Park: 1069 E. McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver
Marine Park Boat Launch: 4501 S.E. Columbia Way, Vancouver
Leroy Haagen Memorial Park: Northeast Ninth Street, Vancouver
Vancouver Waterfront Park/Portland Loos (24/7): 695 Waterfront Way, Vancouver
Ballfields by the old Vancouver Public Library on Mill Plain Boulevard (also free WiFi signal there)
