Keeping your Cool in Clark County , Washington

A Heatwave hits the Portland/Vancouver Metro Area

It's official, we're having a heat wave. Let's face it, those of us who live in the Pacific Northwest are lightweights when it comes to warm temperatures. Our temperate climate is generally quite comfortable, and that's the trade off we accept for the oft gray and rainy conditions during the winter months. However, we do get unseasonable weather extremes at times, both in winter and summer. 

Right now, we're under an excessive heat warning with daytime highs expected today ( Saturday, June 23) from 95-105.  The weather folks tell us this is pretty early for a heating event of this magnitude. Those of you who live in Arizona are probably chuckling about this, but remember this isn't a dry heat. ( insert smile, here.)

We should cool off to the 90's by tomorrow, but the forecast calls for high temperature of 105 next Saturday. Naturally, pets, children and the elderly are more prone to heat exhaustion and should be carefully monitored. Reduce their exposure to exercise and avoid leaving anyone in a car, even if it is parked in the shade. 

Rivers Lakes Waterways and Common Sense

Sadly, when crowds flock to play in our cool rivers and lakes, precaution is often thrown to the wind. A happy outing can quickly turn to disaster without proper supervision and mindful choices.  Parents need to be especially careful to warn their teens about the dangers of jumping into water of unknown depths, and trying to swim in water with undercurrents or rapids. Using alcohol and/or marijuana while swimming or boating is always a bad idea. 

Remember, it's always a good idea to have young children in life vests when playing near water. And, everybody should wear life jackets when boating. Prevention is critical when it comes to water safety. Check on elderly family, friends or neighbors and if they don't have AC, invite them for a visit. Pets should be exercised early in the day, before the pavement heats up. Ensure they have a cool shady spot with plenty of water, or better keep them indoors with the air conditioning. 

Summer has arrived with a vengence. Try to enjoy the sunshine. As for the excessive heat?  This too shall pass.