Excessive heat warning issued

With temperatures forecast to hit triple digits over the next few days, staying cool will become a high priority for western Oregon residents.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning and a red flag warning for Thursday through Saturday, and warns that night-time temperatures are not expected to drop below the 60s, making it harder to cool down. Friday is expected to be the hottest day. The hot dry conditions, northeasterly winds and unstable conditons mean greatly increased fire danger throughout the Willamette Valley.

The National Weather Service notes that “the elderly, youth and those without air conditioning will be vulnerable to the heat. Those working or exercising outdoors will be at increased risk of dehydration and heat-related illness.”

It warns that “Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.”

On its Facebook page, the Portland office reminds people to “LOOK before you LOCK” the car, to avoid tragedy.

Those seeking relief by swimming should remember to be diligent about water safety, it says, reminding swimmers to “wear a life preserving vest, maintain a good distance from moving boats and only swim to your abilities.”

In Yamhill County people may seek cooling at the following locations:

• McMinnville Public Library, 225 NW Adams Street, open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

• Newberg Public Library, 503 E. Hancock Street, open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; noon to 5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

• Champion Team Drop-In Center, 2215 NE McDonald Lane in McMinnville, open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday through Monday. In additon to a cool place to spend time, the center offers numerous support groups for a wide variety of issues.

• McMinnville Senior Center, 2250 N.E. McDaniel Lane, McMinnville, open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. to 3:30 on Friday.

• Yamhill Community Action Partnership, 317 Dustin Court in McMinnville, open Monday-Friday from 8:30 to 5pm. It offers a Resource Room with a computer and printer, restrooms, water. 503-472-0457.