The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for the region, with temperatures expected to rise into the mid-80s to lower 90s on Tuesday, and warming to the 90s to near 105 on Thursday.

Friday will be a bit cooler, but highs will still be in the upper 80s and 90s. Excessive heat warnings are typically issued when the forecast calls for a prolonged period of high temperatures. When that is combined with high humidity the danger for heat-related illnesses increases. Older adults, young children, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases are at particularly high risk.

To help residents deal with the heat, the City of Renton has the following facilities available as cooling shelters:

Renton Community Center: Monday – Thursday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Renton Senior Activity Center: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

City officials are continuing to monitor the weather conditions and needs of the community and will provide additional support as warranted. The city is asking citizens to be proactive in planning to stay safe in the heat, take appropriate measures to protect their personal health, reduce the risk of fire and prevent criminals from entering their home. Family, friends and neighbors are also urged to check in frequently with elderly residents who may need assistance dealing with the hot weather.

The following are some tips to protect yourself:

Stay cool

• Spend more time in air conditioned places. If you don’t have air conditioning, consider visiting a mall, movie theater or other cool public places.
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun.
• Dress in lightweight or loss-fitting clothing.
• Check up on your elderly neighbors and relatives and encourage them to take these precautions, too.
• Drink liquids
• Drink plenty of water. Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol and large amounts of sugar because they can actually dehydrate your body.
• Have a beverage with you as much as possible and sip or drink frequently. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.

If you go outside:

• Limit the time you’re in direct sunlight.
• Do not leave infants, children, people with mobility challenges and pets in a parked car, even with the window rolled down.
• Avoid or reduce doing activities that are tiring or take a lot of energy.
• Do outdoor activities in the cooler morning and evening hours.
• Avoid sunburn. Use a sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (sun protection factor) rating.

Water safety

• Some people turn to local rivers to cool off, but drowning is a real concern. Please use caution and wear an approved personal flotation device (PFD) while on the water. If you want to swim, choose a safer location–visit a local pool or a beach with a lifeguard instead.

More tips in English, Spanish, Chinese Vietnamese, Russian and Korean are available from King County.