The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WALLA WALLA – The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for portions of central, north-central, northeast Oregon, and central, south-central, and southeast Washington through 11:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 17, 2023. Dangerously hot conditions are expected, with temperatures between 103° to 110°, and residents should take precautions.

To assist Walla Walla and area residents who do not have access to air conditioning during the hottest part of the day, an emergency cooling station will be open at the Christian Aid Center at 202 W Birch St, in Walla Walla. The cooling station will be available from 12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., providing water and an air-conditioned environment for those seeking relief from the heat. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m., with an option for individuals to check into the shelter after dinner, if they choose.

Additional areas where residents can seek respite from the heat include the Walla Walla Public Library, which will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Washington Park Splash Pad will be open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

The following is a list of locations, not designated as cooling centers, that can offer some relief from the heat:

In Walla Walla:

• Veterans Memorial Pool

• Washington Park Splash Pad

• Walla Walla City Library

• Fort Walla Walla

• 15+ Walla Walla City Parks

In Waitsburg/Dixie:

• Waitsburg Library

• Preston Park Splash Pad

• Ten Ton Coffee

In Dayton:

• Columbia County Rural Library

In Prescott:

• Prescott Swimming Pool

• WWC Rural Library, Prescott Branch

In Milton-Freewater:

• Joe Humbert Family Aquatic Center

• Freewater Park Splash Pad

In College Place:

• WWC Rural Library, College Place Branch

• College Place Lions Park

• Kiwanis Park

• SonBridge

In Burbank and Wallula:

• Hood Park

• WWC Rural Library, Burbank Branch

In Touchet:

• Touchet Park

• WWC Rural Library, Touchet Branch

Hydration Stations:

• Mill Creek Sports Complex, Walla Walla

• Public and city park water fountains

The following are precautionary and preparedness actions recommended by the National Weather Service:

• Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

• Never leave young children and pets unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

• Take extra precautions if you work or need to spend time outside. Reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening if possible.

• Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible.

• To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.

• Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.

• Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.