Worried about heat stroke? How to identify heat illnesses ahead of scorching WA weather

Summer is officially here, and hot conditions are expected to affect the South Puget Sound starting this weekend.

The National Weather Service in Seattle issued a heat advisory Wednesday for parts of northwest and west central Washington, effective from noon Friday to 10 p.m. Monday.

Puget Sound temperatures, such as in Olympia and Tacoma, are expected to reach the mid-to-high 90s, while temperatures in Bellingham are expected to reach as high as 89 degrees by Monday. Areas of eastern Washington, such as the Tri-Cities, could reach 110 degrees by Tuesday.

The risk of heat-related impacts will significantly increase as temperatures rise this week, according to the Weather Service, and especially impact those who are sensitive to heat or have no adequate cooling system.

Knowing the best ways to stay cool and signs of heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke is important.

Here is a guide to staying safe and cool this weekend.

Staying cool

For the lucky people with air conditioning in their homes, staying cool this weekend might not come as a problem — at least not until the next energy bill. But for those who don’t have air conditioning in the home, here are some tips for staying cool during the heat wave from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.

Reducing heat indoors

• Cover windows that receive a lot of sun and close the doors to rooms that get hot

• Turn off lights and reduce the usage of electronics

• Reduce the use of the oven or stove

• Stay on the lowest floor in your home if possible

• Take cool showers

• Place a bowl of ice under a fan so that it circulates cold air

• Stay indoors during the hottest times of the day

If you’re outdoors

• Limit the time out in the sun and seek shade

• Use sunscreen to avoid being sunburned

• Wear a wet cloth to help cool you down

• Drink water and try to avoid drinks that dehydrate you, such as coffee and alcohol

• Visit a cooling center in your area-- malls, grocery stores or libraries

• Do any outdoor activities in the morning or evenings to avoid peak heat

The Washington State Department of Health also advises people not to leave pets or people inside of parked cars, eat light meals more frequently and continuously check on individuals who are elderly or ill.

Symptoms of heat-related illnesses

Warm temperatures bring about risks of heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Here are some signs you should look out for, according to the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department:

• Heat cramps: Muscle pains in the stomach, arms or legs

• Heat exhaustion: Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, dizziness, headache, fainting, nausea

• Heat stroke: Body temperature above 103 degrees, dry skin with no sweat, dizziness, unconsciousness and a strong, rapid pulse

The health department advises people experiencing any of the above symptoms to get to an air-conditioned location, sip cool sports drinks and loosen clothing. If symptoms do not subside, seek medical attention.

Anyone experiencing symptoms of a heat stroke should seek medical attention right away.