Health Alert: Extreme heat and poor air quality impacting Washington residents and health systems

This is a Health Alert from the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) regarding health risks of extreme heat and poor air quality across the state.

A heat wave that began on July 5, 2024 is impacting health of residents across the state of Washington. The greatest impact may be felt in eastern Washington, where daily high temperatures are forecast to remain above 100°F through Tuesday, July 16. This extended heat wave can pose major to extreme risks for health across the entire population, but especially in high-risk groups. This heat wave has already resulted in increased visits to Emergency Rooms (ERs) for heat-related causes across the state.

In addition to extreme heat, wildfire activity has increased, and an air quality alert was issued on Tuesday July 9 for Chelan County and the Methow Valley of Okanogan County. Particulate matter (PM 2.5) may reach “Unhealthy” levels in the coming days.

Actions Requested 

  • Local health jurisdictions, tribal health partners, health care providers, emergency responders, and residents should be aware that extreme heat and wildfire smoke can have serious impacts on health. Earlier this week, WA DOH issued a Provider Alert warning healthcare providers about extreme heat risks.  
  • Be aware that certain groups of people may be at elevated risk for health impacts of heat and poor air quality, including:
    • People without access to Air Conditioning (AC) or filtration for cleaner indoor air
    • Older adults (65+)
    • Pregnant people
    • Infants and young children
    • People with chronic illnesses, such as asthma, heart disease, and diabetes
    • People taking medications that can affect the body’s ability to control temperature
    • Unhoused people
    • People with substance use disorder or people who consume large amounts of alcohol
    • People who are socially isolated or have limited mobility
    • People who spend time outdoors, such as construction workers, agricultural workers, and outdoor athletes
  • Health care providers, emergency responders, and residents should be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses, including:
    • Heat Stroke, a life-threatening medical emergency – Call 9-1-1 if you suspect someone is showing signs of heat stroke.
      • Hyperthermia/High body temperature (103°F or higher)
      • Tachycardia/Elevated pulse
      • Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
      • Headache
      • Dizziness
      • Nausea
      • Mental status changes/confusion
      • Syncope/Fainting
    • Heat Exhaustion
      • Heavy sweating
      • Tachycardia/Elevated pulse
      • Cold, pale, and clammy skin
      • Nausea or vomiting
      • Muscle cramps
      • Tiredness or weakness
      • Dizziness
      • Headache
      • Syncope/Fainting
  • High-risk groups should be advised to avoid spending time outside during high temperature and/or poor air quality days; people who must spend time outside should take frequent breaks and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
  • Be aware that when extreme heat and wildfire smoke overlap, there can be even greater risk to health, especially for high-risk groups.
  • Share information about community cooling centers widely: Anyone in Washington can dial 2-1-1 during business hours, or visit wa211.org any time for lists of Extreme Weather Shelters and Cooling Centers. 
  • Washington DOH has a Wildfire Smoke Partner Toolkit, with educational resources in multiple languages, decision guides for when to cancel outdoor events, and suggestions for improving indoor air quality during wildfire smoke events.  
  • Employers in Washington should refer to Washington Labor & Industries (WA LNI) for rules & recommendations about protecting workers from extreme heat.
  • Follow weather forecasts from the National Weather Service (NWS), use the NWS HeatRisk tool to find the latest heat-related health risk forecast for your area, and visit the WA Smoke Blog for wildfire, smoke, and air quality forecasts.

Background

Extreme heat is the deadliest weather-related hazard in the United States. Washington summers are getting longer, hotter, and potentially more dangerous. Extreme heat events (heat waves) are predicted to happen more often and last longer due to climate change; in addition, wildfire risks and wildfire smoke events have increased in Washington as the climate warms. Heat-related deaths are 100% preventable.

Resources

Extreme Heat: Hot Weather Safety

Seasonal Hazards Dashboard

Smoke From Fires

Washington Smoke Forecasts and Updates (WA Smoke Blog)

National Weather Service (NWS)

Heat Risk Map (NWS)

Heat Risk Tool (CDC)

Quick Start Guide for Clinicians on Heat and Health (CDC)

Extreme Heat Page (en Español): El calor extremo (CDC)

Extreme Heat Cooling Centers (wa211)

Heat Health Tools and Information (National Integrated Heat Health Information System)

Be Heat Smart (WA Department of Labor and Industries)

Contact

For questions related to DOH resources for extreme heat or wildfire smoke, please contact:

Rad Cunningham
Senior Epidemiologist – Climate and Health section manager
Office of Environmental Public Health Sciences
Environmental Public Health Division
Washington State Department of Health
eha@doh.wa.gov