By Luisa Loi
La Conner Community News
Monday, the National Weather Service issued a heat advisory that will remain in effect from 10 a.m. Tuesday to 11 p.m. Wednesday, forecasting temperatures up to 90 degrees and low temperatures ranging from 55 to 62 degrees.
“This will pose a moderate risk of heat-related illness,” NWS stated.
The area affected includes Western Skagit County, Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca, the foothills and valleys of the North Cascades, the Lake Crescent Area, the lowlands of Northwestern Snohomish County, the lowlands of Western Whatcom County, Northern Hood Canal, and the Port Townsend area. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early mornings or evenings, wear lightweight and loose clothing, and take frequent breaks in shaded and air conditioned areas, the agency advises.
NWS also issued an air quality alert for Skagit and Whatcom counties that is in effect until 9 a.m. Wednesday due to expected smoke from the wildfires blazing in Canada. Residents are advised to limit time outside, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, watch for symptoms and follow tips for cleaner indoor air.
Extreme heat is the deadliest weather hazard in the United States, killing an average of 273 people every year from 2015 to 2024, according to The Weather Channel.
When the apparent — or “feels-like” — temperature is in the 80- to 90-degree range, people may experience some fatigue; at 90 to 103 degrees, symptoms may include heat cramps and heat exhaustion; in the 103- to 129-degree range, that’s when heat stroke becomes possible, according to NWS.
Those most vulnerable include children, seniors, pregnant people, individuals with preexisting conditions, and people with mental health and substance use disorders, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. And while fans help, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises against their use when indoor temperatures are above 90 degrees, as that could further increase body temperature.
Cooling centers available
La Conner has a few places where people lacking air conditioning in their homes can find refuge when temperatures get dangerously hot. These locations include the La Conner School District facilities, Maple Hall, the Fire Station and the La Conner Swinomish Library.
“The capacity of all these facilities exceeds our needs,” Town Administrator Scott Thomas wrote in an email. “We think that the town is fine for heat events.”
When the school facilities are available and the Town receives permission to use them, they are the Town’s first choice as they have restrooms, light food service capabilities, space for a variety of activities and are a familiar place for kids, Thomas wrote.
He estimated that about two dozen people, including some Shelter Bay residents, used the facility over several days during the 2021 heat dome.
Doug Asbe, member of the Town’s Emergency Management Commission, added that “the school has solar backup power to keep cooling systems running in the event of a power outage.”
In an email, Asbe recalled how restaurants had to close during that heat wave because the kitchens created too much heat, as temperatures outside neared 100 degrees.
The following year, the Town opened the fire station for the public to cool down, though no one used it, likely because it wasn’t as hot as the previous year, Thomas wrote.
The Town has also installed cooling at Maple Hall.
The Town will open a cooling facility when the feels-like temperature approaches 95 degrees, Thomas wrote.
The opening of a cooling center will be announced on social media and via “Notify Me,” to which residents can sign up by visiting townoflaconner.org.
The town also sends notifications to Shelter Bay management, which shares the notice to its residents, Thomas wrote.
Whether a heat advisory has been issued or not, if your home is starting to feel like the inside of an air fryer, the La Conner Swinomish Library is a cooling center that is open Monday through Saturday and, according to Asbe, can accommodate up to 30 people.
While you’re there, you might want to take advantage of the wide variety of books for all ages and tastes, admire local art and participate in educational and family-friendly programs.
If you are out of town and need to find a cooling place, dial 211 or visit the National Center for Healthy Housing’s Cooling Centers by State page.
Luisa Loi is a general assignment reporter for La Conner Community News.
