NORTH SOUND, JUNE 24: Three days. June 25 through the 28, 2021. As the song went from Disney’s film, The Little Mermaid, it was “Hot, Hot, Hot!”
It has been four years since the historic ‘heat dome’ parked over the Pacific Northwest during the last week of June, surging temperatures well past all-time record highs.
A ‘heat dome’ is a strong, high-pressure system that gets cut off from the main westerly flow around the Northern Hemisphere, in this case across the Northern Pacific Ocean. This system’s sinking air motion, and resulting low-level offshore flow toward the ocean, produced the blistering temperatures. As an analogy, think of the upper level high-pressure system as a large rock in a river, resting in one spot while the water flows around it.
The descending air in a heat dome creates a warmer and warmer air mass over time. From June 25 through the 28, four years ago, temperatures in the region warmed each day, peaking on the 28. Bellingham soared to 99 degrees, Paine Field in Everett 100, Arlington 103, North Marysville 107, and Lynnwood a scorching 109 degrees.
Elsewhere in the Pacific Northwest, Portland suffered its hottest day ever on the 28 with 116 degrees. Hanford near the Tri-Cities soared to a blistering 120 degrees.
During this historic heat wave, more than 250 people succumbed to the heat in the Pacific Northwest, and in Western Canada, 400 people perished. Excessive heat is the number one weather-related hazard yielding fatalities in the world. In fact, it kills more people than all other weather-related hazards like hurricanes, floods, tornados, and winter storms combined.
Could Another Heat Dome Occur?
Yet with the ongoing warming of the planet, the global upper level air pattern has been tending to produce more of these cut off upper level high pressure systems that create extreme heat waves. For instance, much of the middle and eastern parts of the U.S. are suffering through a heat wave early this week. So, it could happen again here.
Last year, heat waves were felt not only in the United States, but also in Europe, Japan, India, Southeast Asia, and Pakistan. Temperatures in India and Pakistan soared to around 125 degrees.
The latest seasonal summer weather outlook for Western Washington reflects good odds on warmer than average temperatures into September and at or just below normal precipitation during the driest time of the year.
This summer weather outlook does not bode well for the wildfire season. Eastern Washington, the Columbia Gorge, and many parts of the interior of Western Canada are already in fire season.
The recent cool showery conditions in the North Sound offered some much needed rain. Everett’s Paine Field from January through May was more than 10 inches of rain below average, and much of Western Washington is either considered abnormally dry or in moderate drought according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The recent soggy weather should help delay the start of wildfire season across the North Sound as we enter July.
Steps To Take If It Gets Too Hot
If sensitive to excessive heat, here are some precautions to take during a period of hot weather.
- Be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- Spend time in an air-conditioned location to help relieve the stress of the heat. If outdoors, seek shade and use sunscreen to avoid sunburn
- During the heat of the day, avoid strenuous activities like running. If working outdoors, take breaks in the shade and drink plenty of water
- Avoid leaving children and pets in cars, even for just a few minutes. Even with the windows open, temperatures can soar over 100 degrees in just 10 minutes
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothing to help reflect heat
- If on area waterways, be sure to wear a properly fitted life jacket to avoid falling into the cold water and suffering cold water shock, potentially drowning as a result
- For meals, eat easy to digest foods like salads and fruit
- Be sure to check on elderly family members, friends or neighbors to help ensure they are doing okay during hot weather, particularly if they take medications
- Studies have revealed that common treatments such as heart medicines, antihistamines, and decongestants don’t mix well with heat. Continue to take the medications, just stay cool, and stay hydrated. Consult with a doctor for any concerns
- Also take precautions with livestock and pets. Hot pavement is nasty to paws and ensure they have plenty of water and shade.
Heat Risk Health Resource
Always monitor the latest weather forecasts for potential heat waves. The National Weather Service has a publicly available heat related resource called HeatRisk. This resource is a color-numeric index that shows forecasted threats of heat related impacts.
HeatRisk takes into consideration how unusual the heat is for the time of year, the days of the expected hot weather including not only daytime temperatures, but also temperatures overnight, and the elevated risk of heat-related health impacts. Remember, it is not just the heat of the day, but also the heat of the night that adds stress to the human body, particularly if one is not used to this kind of heat.
HeatRisk was tested in the Western U.S. recently including the Seattle Forecast Office which serves the North Sound. This heat program was expanded nationwide last year. The resource has been quite useful during recent heat waves across much of the country. Many TV weather segments have placed the colorful heat graphics on screen, highlighting areas of risk.
Now that summer has begun, enjoy this summer; just do so safely, particularly during periods of hot weather.
