Summer heat has returned to the Pacific Northwest, with high temperatures forecast in the mid-90s through the weekend.
The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for the Portland-Vancouver area until 10 p.m. Thursday, warning of increased risk of heat-related illnesses throughout the region.
Forecasters predicted high temperatures of 95 degrees today, 97 degrees Wednesday and 96 degrees on Thursday. Heat will persist into the weekend, with a high of 93 degrees on Friday, 96 degrees on Saturday and 98 degrees on Sunday.
Temperatures will be slow to cool in the overnight hours, with temperatures remaining in the mid-70s around midnight, then slowly cooling into the 60s around sunrise.
Forecasters said that overnight cooling will offer only limited relief. They’re telling people to avoid heat-related illnesses by drinking water and staying in air-conditioned rooms, if possible.
“Check up on relatives and neighbors. Never leave children or pets inside of a parked vehicle,” they said.
Those looking to the streams and lakes as a temporary escape from the hot spell should wear life jackets, officials said.
Water quality questions
Clark County Public Health is continuing to investigate Battle Ground Lake as a potential source of two cases of shigellosis bacteria, but early testing showed the lake is within acceptable water quality levels.
However, the county has posted warnings about a possible bloom of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, at Vancouver Lake. No blue-green algae bloom has been detected at the Vancouver Lake swim beach area, but suspected blooms were identified at the Burnt Bridge Creek inlet and the flushing channel near the swim beach.
Clark County Public Health is currently awaiting sample results from these two locations to determine if toxins are in the water. Officials are advising people to watch for other blooms when in the lake and avoid direct contact with lake water in areas of floating blue-green-colored scum. Blue-green algae produce toxins that can be harmful to people and deadly for small pets that drink the water.
Caution signs will remain posted at the lake as long as the bloom is present and active. Public Health will continue to monitor water through the summer. Updates about closures will be posted to www.clark.wa.gov/public-health/public-beaches.
Vancouver Lake Regional Park remains open. Water in park restrooms and shelters is not affected by lake water and remains safe to drink.
At Battle Ground Lake, signs remained outside the lake warning the public, though the lake and Battle Ground Lake State Park remain open.
Clark County Public Health Public Information Officer Marissa Armstrong said there would be another round of testing conducted Monday, with the results probably known today.
If those results stay the same as earlier testing, at acceptable water quality levels, the signs will be taken down. Updates about closures will be posted to www.clark.wa.gov/public-health/public-beaches.
Clark County Public Health had two cases of shigellosis bacteria reported on Friday, and through interviews the department pinpointed swimming in the lake as a possible source of the infections. No other cases have been reported since Friday, Armstrong said.
Symptoms of shigellosis include bloody diarrhea, fever and cramping abdominal pain, and may also include nausea and vomiting. If you swam in the lake after July 14 and are experiencing those symptoms, you should contact your health care provider.
Shigella bacteria are excreted in feces, about one to four weeks after symptoms begin. Public Health warns people to wash their hands thoroughly after coming into contact with feces to prevent the spread of the bacteria.
Infections usually last between three and 10 days, and can be particularly severe for young children and the elderly.
Cooling centers open
Vancouver city officials issued a press release Monday listing places where residents can go to beat summer heat.
The Marshall or Firstenburg community centers offer opportunities for gathering, swimming or participating in activities.
The Marshall Community Center is fully air-conditioned, except for the gymnasium. The center is closed on Sundays. The Firstenburg Community Center is not air-conditioned, but most of its open areas are ventilated with moving air.
At both centers, Wi-Fi-enabled lobby areas are open to the public, free of charge. Fitness centers and the swimming pools are available to members or by paying a drop-in fee during operation hours. Hours, schedules and other information can be found online at: www.vanparksrec.org (click on Community Centers at the top of the page).
Vancouver Public Works’ Water Resources Education Center, along the Columbia River and waterfront trail, is air-conditioned and offers opportunities for exploring natural resources, from the aquaria to hands-on exhibits. Admission to the center is free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. www.cityofvancouver.us/watercenter.
Other air-conditioned options around Vancouver include restaurants, theaters and shops, as well as branches of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District. www.fvrl.org/hours-locations
PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center is operating a cooling station in the Firstenburg Tower Lobby, 400 N.E. Mother Joseph Place, Vancouver, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Outside of Vancouver:
• The Battle Ground Community Center, 912 E. Main St., is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• The Camas Library, 25 N.E. Fourth Ave., open 8:00 p.m. weeknights.
• Washougal City Hall, 1701 C St., is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• The Washougal Library, 1661 C. St., is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
• The Washougal Community Center, 1681 C. St., is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 4 to 6 p.m. Friday.
