8/25/25 Health Advisory: Potentially Dangerous Heat Wave in Washington this Week

| August 25, 2025

Current Situation

The National Weather Service has forecasted a potentially dangerous long-duration heat event for Washington State and the Western US, beginning August 22 and extending to midweek this week. During this time, elevated daytime temperatures and limited cooling at night may pose a moderate to major risk for heat-related illnesses, with some areas under extreme heat risk. Extreme Heat Warnings have been issued by NWS Pendleton, NWS Spokane and NWS Portland, including areas in Clark, Cowlitz and parts of the Columbia Gorge; Omak and north central WA; and south central and southeast WA to Lewiston. NWS Seattle forecasts major heat risk in parts of western WA as well.

Providers across Washington should be alert for patients presenting with heat-related illnesses and be aware that heat can worsen existing chronic health and mental health conditions. These risks could increase with multiple days of heat exposure with insufficient cooling and recovery. Providers should educate high-risk patient populations on how to reduce their risk for heat-related complications. CDC Clinical Guidance recommends assessing patients‘ risk factors, sharing tools to monitor hazardous heat conditions, and making a Heat Action Plan.

Actions Requested

Healthcare providers, clinics, and other facilities in Washington are requested to do the following:

  • Providers should be aware that extreme heat can put patients at risk forboth:
    • Developing heat-related illnesses, AND
    • Exacerbation of pre-existing or chronic medical conditions
  • Providers should be aware that certain groups are at elevated risk of developing heat-related illnesses or other complications during extreme heat events:
    • People without access to Air Conditioning (AC)
    • 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 effect thermoregulation
    • 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
  • Providers should ask patients about their risk factors for the harmful health effects of heat.
  • Providers should maintain a low threshold when evaluating patients for heat-related illnesses. Screen patients presenting to care for heat-related illnesses, including:
    • Heat Stroke (a life-threatening medical emergency)
      • 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
  • Inform patients, family members, and patient care teams about:
    • Signs and symptoms of heat-related illness; when to call 9-1-1 or seek urgent care
    • The potential impact of heat on medications, including proper storage and safe administration
    • When clincially appropriate, encourage patients to maintain hydration or increase fluid intake
  • Develop medication plans following CDC’s Heat and Medication – Guidance for Clinicians. Some medications interfere with thermoregulation and/or fluid balance, amplifying the risk of harm from hot weather (e.g. diruetics, some antipsycotic medications, some antidepressants, some antihypertensive agents).

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. Heat-related deaths are 100% preventable.

Resources

Contact Whatcom County Health and Community Services at 360-778-6100
  • 360-778-6100 Main Call Line – available M-F 8:30am to 4:30pm.
    • Afterhours Answering Service – available after 4:30pm and weekends, call 360-778-6100 and press 2 to be connected to the on-call manager or health officer.
  • 360-778-6150 Communicable Disease Report Line – 24 hours a day 7 days a week
  • 360-778-6103 Confidential Communicable Disease Fax – 24 hours a day 7 days a week
  • 509 Girard Street, Bellingham WA 98225