Act now to reduce health impacts of future heat waves
What to know about extreme heat and how to prepare for future impacts of climate change
Washington State Department of HealthFollow
Jul 9 · 5 min read
By 10 a.m. on June 26 in Chehalis, Washington, the thermometer read 86° F and had started its climb to 100°F. Kathryn was hosting a baby shower for her very pregnant daughter Lauren in the midst of the heat. Some of the ways she worked hard to keep their guests and neighbors safe and cool, on a weekend when the heat eventually reached a record-breaking 109° F, included:
Keeping fans going outside to keep the air moving, and encouraging everyone to stay in the shade.
Filling a plastic kiddie pool with cold water that guests could dip their feet into.
Posting a spray wand next to the patio for a cold refreshing mist.
“I was very concerned about keeping my pregnant daughter cool and well hydrated,” Kathryn said. “She slept with ice packs strapped to her feet so she could stay cool enough!” Kathryn also checked in on her elderly neighbors throughout the day to make sure they were alright.
Like Kathryn, millions of Washingtonians have coped with unprecedented heat this past month. Temperatures across the Northwest soared well over 100° F, crushing previous records.
As summers in Washington get longer, hotter, and potentially more dangerous, it’s more important than ever that we understand and learn from the impacts of heat waves and prepare for future events.
Here’s why, and what you can do before the next heat wave this summer.
Health impacts of extreme heat
Because extreme heat limits the body’s ability to cool itself, high temperatures increase the likelihood of heat-related illness, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. If untreated, these symptoms can worsen and even lead to death.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are about 702 heat-related deaths in the nation every year.
In Washington state, from 2015 to 2020, there were a total of 39 deaths during warmer months (May through September). During this recent event:
DOH has identified a total of 78 likely heat-related deaths in just a few days, as of July 8. These are preliminary numbers, and most likely will increase as more reports are finalized.
Daily counts of emergency room (ER) visits for suspected heat-related illnesses increased as the temperature rose. Between June 25-July 1, emergency rooms recorded over 2,000 visits for a heat-related illness, including heat exhaustion, dehydration, and dizziness. On June 28, visits for heat-related illness peaked at 8% of all ER visits — that’s 14 times higher than in summer 2020. Heat-related transports accounted for 52% of all Emergency Medical Services (EMS) trips in June.
In fact, researchers estimate that extreme heat results in more deaths annually than any weather disaster or related event. In addition to the physical toll, heat stress can also negatively impact our mental health.
Extreme heat impacts everyone’s health and well being. Some people in our communities are more vulnerable to the impacts of extreme heat than others:
Children, elderly people, economically disadvantaged groups, and people who live or work outside.
Those with chronic health conditions like high blood pressure, respiratory disease, and diabetes.
“Warming Stripes” chart from ClimateCentral.org shows gradual annual temperature differences.
More frequent extreme heat
“Extreme weather events are happening more frequently and we expect them to become more common and intense as our climate changes,” said Rad Cunningham, manager of the DOH Climate and Health section.
There is growing evidence that climate change is increasing the risk of extreme weather events, especially those related to heat. Recent studies on global extreme heat events indicate that climate change made these events more likely, longer, and more severe.
Human activities that depend on burning fossil fuels release heat-trapping gases into the atmosphere. These gases increase average temperatures, which can then push up extreme temperatures and make heat waves longer and more intense. Although lots of factors play a role in extreme heat events, climate change is increasing their likelihood.
In Washington state, under a “business as usual” greenhouse gas scenario, the number of days above 90° F is expected to increase. This would lead to an increase in hospitalizations, deaths and demand for emergency medical services. By 2050, an average year in Washington will be warmer than the hottest year of the 20th century.
Four ways to adapt to extreme heat
Extreme heat events are already occurring more often than they used to. The good news is that we can prevent heat-related illnesses and deaths during heat waves if we take steps to adapt and prepare:
Follow local advisories and safety guidelines before, during, and after the heat waves. Try calling 2–1–1, the statewide resource for local essential services, to find cooling centers and other help in your area.
Keep homes and buildings cooler. Add insulation; close blinds and shade windows; and increase air flow.
Check in on your neighbors to help make sure that those most vulnerable to heat impacts are taken care of.
Learn to recognize signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses. You could save a life.
Personal steps to combat climate change
We can all take action today — in our homes and in our communities — to reduce climate risks like extreme heat, and relieve stress on our energy and infrastructure systems. Some simple things that each of us can do:
Walk, bike, or use non-motorized transportation instead of driving when possible.
Switch to energy-saving appliances and improvements, from small things like hair dryers to big ones like heat pumps and HVAC systems.
Plant more trees in your neighborhood.
Participate in local community actions to address climate change.
State government is taking action as well. Gov. Jay Inslee said in a recent Seattle Times guest editorial, “We will not wither in a desultory vacuum of inaction.” Recent policies like the Clean Energy Transformation Act and Climate Commitment Act assure that utilities and businesses are doing their part to combat the threat of climate change.
Every climate-friendly action helps move us into a future that is healthier and safer. Together we have the power to dial down future impacts of extreme heat.
More Information
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