Sizzling 103 degrees: Auburn bakes in record heat

By Mark Klaas • July 29, 2009 7:42 pm
Maria Martin soaks herself with cold water during her church group's sponsored car wash in Auburn on Wednesday. Martin and her friends were washing vehicles to raise money for the Centro De Amistad Cristiano youth ministry. 'Today is much too hot
Maria Martin soaks herself with cold water during her church group's sponsored car wash in Auburn on Wednesday. Martin and her friends were washing vehicles to raise money for the Centro De Amistad Cristiano youth ministry. 'Today is much too hot

Auburn roasted in record temperatures Wednesday.

And no immediate relief appears in sight.

By late afternoon, the mercury shot up to a record 103 degrees, breaking the previous record of 96 degrees for July 29, according to Intellicast.com.

The forecast calls for temperatures well into the 90s again Thursday, with a slight cooling trend on the way. The National Weather Service’s Excessive Heat Warning and Air Stagnation Advisory, issued on Monday, remains in effect until 6 p.m. Thursday.

Seattle baked in record 102-degree heat by 3 p.m. Wednesday.

The temperature at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport hit a record 102 degrees, breaking the previous mark of 100 set on July 16, 1941 and equalled on July 20, 1994.

To combat the relentless heat, residents flocked to nearby lakes, rivers, streams and malls.

The food court at the Auburn SuperMall was jammed at lunchtime.

Auburn joined many King and Pierce county cities in establishing cooling centers. One of those cooling centers – the Senior Activity Center – saw plenty of visitors. By mid-afternoon, more than 80 people were at the center, including four dogs and a cat, according to Sarah Miller, the City of Auburn’s emergency preparedness manager.

“That’s the largest number we have ever seen for a cooling center,” Miller said.

Medic One experienced about 20 times its normal heat-related call volume. Auburn Regional Medical Center also was busy treating those with heat-related problems, primarily the elderly complaining of weakness, dizziness and dehydration.

Officials expect to see a continued influx of patients Thursday as the heat wave persists.

In the heat, residents are reminded to:

• Drink plenty of water, as other beverages might not keep you hydrated.

• Stay in an air-conditioned room if possible and out of the sun if possible.

• Check on relatives and neighbors, particularly those with health issues that make them more susceptible to heat illnesses. “People, particularly the elderly, suffer terribly in the heat, and they might not even recognize it.”

• Attend a movie, go to the mall, or spend time in any air conditioned location.

• In addition, do not leave pets or children in the car while you run an errand. The temperature in a vehicle is much higher than outside, and it only takes a few minutes for severe problems and possible death to occur.

====

LOCAL COOLING CENTERS

Auburn Senior Activity Center

808 9th St. SE

8 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Thursday

Crated/caged pets welcome.

Some pet cages available for those who don’t have them.

253-931-3016

Auburn Library

1102 Auburn Way S.

10 a.m.-9:00 p.m. (Monday-Thursday)

253-931-3018

Auburn City Hall

25 W. Main St.

8 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Thursday

Crated/caged pets welcome.

Some pet cages available for those who don’t have them.

253-931-3033

Pacific Community Center

100 3rd Ave. SE

8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday

253-931-8289

Black Diamond

Black Diamond Community Center

31605 3rd Ave.

9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Monday-Thursday)

360-886-1011