Hidden dangers to watch for as Whatcom endures its first heat wave of summer

With temperatures expected to rise above 80 degrees in Western Washington for the first time this year, weather forecasters and health and safety officials are reminding residents that extreme heat can kill in several ways — such as heat stroke, drowning and fires.

Summer’s first heat wave will arrive quickly on Saturday, June 25, with temperatures spiking 15 to 20 degrees above seasonal norms, according to the National Weather Service in Seattle, which issued a “special weather statement” this week, increasing that to a heat advisory on Thursday, June 23.

“It is going to be prudent to take the steps necessary to mitigate heat impacts, such as adequate hydration and proper protection from the sun,” meteorologist Maddie Kristell said in the online forecast discussion.

“Additionally, a cooler and wetter spring season thus far will not have properly acclimated most people to the upcoming heat, and its effects may be felt more quickly, especially for more sensitive groups,” Kristell said.

Heat impacts are expected in the moderate range in Whatcom County, the weather service said in its online briefing Friday, June 24.

Those who could be at risk include small children, older adults and anyone without access to air conditioning.

Sunny skies are expected across Whatcom County through Monday, June 27, with temperatures rising to the mid-70s on Friday, June 24.

Then the normally cool ocean breezes will change direction, drawing warm air over the North Cascades and raising lowland temperatures into the low 80s.

Normal high temperatures for late June are in the high 60s across lowland Whatcom County.

Warmer temperatures are expected around Lynden and in the Mount Baker foothills, with 90 degrees a possibility.

Meanwhile, water temperatures remain cold, with lakes and rivers at 40 to 50 degrees, the weather service said.

“Cold water-related impacts are also much more likely, as such, it is important to remember that area rivers are going to be running fast and are still very cold. The air may be hot, but the water is still dangerously cold,” Kristell said.

Two California residents died last week when their raft overturned on the Nooksack River near Glacier, according to previous Bellingham Herald reporting.

“Cold water shock and hypothermia can quickly result in death during these early season heat events. Use extreme caution if recreating near water, wear a life jacket, and keep a close eye on children,” the weather service said.

The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management also cautioned against leaving children and pets in locked cars and being aware of fire hazards.

“Don’t leave children or pets in vehicles (temps climb to well over 100 degrees in a short time), work smart by taking more breaks and slowing down; alter your schedule to take advantage of cooler temps at the beginning and end of the day, check on your neighbors (and) don’t park in tall grass, catalytic converters can start fires,” the county alert said.