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Cooler weather on its way

06:02 PM PDT on Saturday, August 16, 2008

KING5.com Staff and Associated Press

Video: Hot weekend ahead
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SEATTLE – Temperatures climbed into the 90s again Saturday in Puget Sound, capping off a three-day heat wave.

But KING 5 meteorologist Nick Allard expects the region to begin cooling off Sunday, and even more as the week goes on.

"The pattern will change enough where we'll see 80s inland versus 90s inland like we've been seeing," he said. "We're going to go from one extreme to the next."

Allard said there's a chance of mountain thunderstorms late in the day Sunday, and the possibility of a rogue thunderstorm at lower elevations. Monday brings with it a chance of showers, as an area of low pressure approaches the coast. Look for temperatures to drop back to the 60s and 70s next week.

Temperatures on Saturday reached 94 in Shelton, 91 in Puyallup and 98 in Vancouver, Wash. Eastern Washington hit the triple digits, with Ellensburg at 105 and Walla Walla at 104.

The heat came accompanied by several advisories. An excessive heat warning was in effect from Everett south to Vancouver until 10 p.m., and The National Weather Service issued an air stagnation advisory. The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency issued a smog watch for parts of Western Washington, including King, Snohomish, Pierce and Kitsap counties. People with respiratory conditions were warned to limit outdoor activity.

Residents were warned that the heat can cause other problems.

Firefighters and medics raced to a north Seattle home Friday after two 5-year-olds tumbled out of an open window. They'll be OK, but it's a harsh reminder of the hot weather dangers.

It is so hot and dry forecasters issued a red flag fire warning for parts of the area. Fire departments are on high alert with rigs ready to roll.

"We get real concerned on the west side when it's above 80 degrees and the humidity is down below 30 percent," said firefighter Rick Scriven.

Hot weather safety tips

Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. You may also want to wear a hat or use an umbrella.

Drink plenty of water. Be sure to drink, even if you don't feel thirsty.

Eat small meals. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which could increase metabolic heat.

Slow down and avoid strenuous activities.

When possible, try to stay indoors.
Source: American Red Cross

Triple-digit temps expected across Ore.

Oregon sweltered under the third-straight day of near-record-breaking heat on Saturday.

Weather forecasters were predicted high temperatures of 100 degrees or more across the state, except in the high Cascades and along the Oregon Coast.

But National Weather Service forecasters say a break in the heat is coming, with temperatures expected to drop into the 90s on Sunday and into the 70s on Monday.

By the middle of next week, thunderstorms might arrive in the region.

Eastern Washington

The forecast for the Spokane area has temperatures soaring to the mid- to upper 90s for Friday through Sunday.

The Grand Coulee Dam hit 101 degrees Thursday.

Any thundershowers are most likely this weekend over the Cascades and Eastern Washington.

"Spokane could see a few thunderstorms Sunday night into Monday - not good news," said NWCN forecaster Nick Allard.

The beginning of next week should cool down a bit when temperatures should settle into the 80s.

More hot weather tips from the CDC:

-Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level.

-Don’t drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar–these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.

-Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library–even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. (Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness.)

-Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

-Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Check regularly on infants and young children, people aged 65 or older, people who have a mental illness, those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure.

Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children, of course, need much more frequent watching.

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