It’s heating up in Washington state.
Rising temperatures across Eastern Washington on Thursday, May 1, and Friday, May 2, are prompting the National Weather Service in Spokane to issue a warning of “minor” risks of heat-related illnesses for people who are highly sensitive to heat.
Highs in the upper 70s and 80s are expected in the region. The National Weather Service predicts a high of 74 in Spokane on Thursday and a high of 84 on Friday. In Walla Walla, Thursday’s high is expected to reach 79 degrees, and Friday’s high is forecast to top 85 degrees.
The “minor” heat risk warning extends to lowland areas of Western Washington, including the Seattle area, on May 1 and May 2, according to a heat risk map provided by the NWS. The high in Seattle on Thursday is expected to reach 73 degrees. On Friday, a high of 70 is forecast.
What is minor heat risk?
The National Weather Service says its “Minor Heat Risk” designation means the expected heat “affects primarily those extremely sensitive to heat, especially when outdoors without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration.”
It’s one of the NWS’s lowest warning levels for heat.
People most susceptible to heat include young children and infants, older adults, and people with pre-existing medical conditions, according to the National Integrated Heat Health Information System.
How to plan for hot weather
The NWS recommended that people highly sensitive to heat stay hydrated, keep windows open at night and wear light clothing.
During bouts of severe heat, the Washington State Department of Health recommends staying indoors, drinking plenty of water, and making sure not to leave pets or people in parked cars.
Here are some more heat precautions from the health department:
Go outside during the cooler parts of the day
Take a lot of breaks when working outdoors
Immediately move to a cooler place and rest at the first signs of heat illness
What are the signs of heat-related illness?
Some signs of heat-related illness are dizziness, thirst, heavy sweating, nausea, and weakness, according to the NWS.
People suffering from heat exhaustion should seek medical help if their symptoms don’t improve, the NWS said. Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, including confusion, dizziness, and fainting.
Calling 911 is recommended for people experiencing heat stroke, the NWS said.
This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: NWS warns of ‘minor’ heat risk in Washington as temperatures rise