As heads into its warmest days, Huskies face a double challenge 鈥� rising temperatures and potential wildfire smoke.
天美影院students, faculty and staff can expect August to be , according to the Washington State Climate Office at the UW. Washington, which is already seeing drought conditions in some parts of the state, also faces an this year.
That means it鈥檚 a good time to grab your largest water bottle and check out the UW鈥檚 tips for handling hot and smoky days.
What does the University do if there鈥檚 a heat wave?
When the weather is expected to get really hot (temps above 90 degrees for at least two to three days), the UW鈥檚 Emergency Management team in Seattle and the 天美影院Bothell and 天美影院Tacoma teams alert the relevant Weather Status Assessment Group. The group, which includes representatives from operational and academic units across the three campuses, meets and recommends possible changes to campus operations, such as limiting outdoor activity.
天美影院employees working outside (and their supervisors) are required to follow 天美影院Environmental Health & Safety鈥檚 . EH&S also has info about for the UW鈥檚 non-air conditioned buildings. For youth campus and events, the Office of the Youth Protection Coordinator provides guidance for extreme heat and air quality.
Learn more about how 天美影院Facilities and is planning for warmer days in the future.
What does the University consider when assessing outdoor air quality?
Wildfire smoke visits Western Washington almost every summer. When the skies get smoky, the UW鈥檚 Emergency Management team keeps an eye on the air quality index (AQI) and info from the National Weather Service to protect the 天美影院community.
When the AQI reaches (or is expected to reach) unhealthy levels for an extended period of time, 天美影院Emergency Management gets the Weather Status Assessment group together to determine if a change in 天美影院operations is needed. Environmental Health & Safety also for 天美影院employees working outdoors.
Everyone reacts differently to wildfire smoke, and your individual health circumstances can play a big role in how much it affects you. That鈥檚 why it鈥檚 important to make the best decision for your own health and comfort, whether that means limiting time outside, wearing a mask or finding a space with cleaner indoor air. If you can鈥檛 make it to campus, let your professor or supervisor know.
If the 天美影院changes operations due to heat or air quality (or both), where will that info be shared?
If UW, 天美影院Bothell or 天美影院Tacoma decide to change operations due to the weather, we鈥檒l share the news via email to students and employees at the affected campus. We鈥檒l also send a 天美影院Advisory text message (make sure you鈥檙e signed up now). Info will be posted on the website (check the website for your campus) and on social media.
For Seattle, students and employees can call the 天美影院Information Lines at 206-UWS-INFO (206-897-4636) or toll-free 1-866-897-4636. For 天美影院Bothell, call 425-352-3333.
If there鈥檚 no message posted, your campus is operating on a regular schedule.
Any advice for cooling off?
- If you鈥檙e in Seattle, check out the new IMA pool (free for current Seattle students) or consider renting a canoe or a kayak from the 天美影院Waterfront Activities Center.
- 天美影院Tacoma students can visit the Tacoma Center YMCA pool or any other YMCA pool (free for ).
- 天美影院Bothell students living on campus or elsewhere in Bothell can swim for free at McMenamins Anderson School鈥檚 swimming pool with ID and proof of Bothell residency (take a pic of your lease).
- If you鈥檙e visiting one of the area鈥檚 beautiful lakes, rivers and beaches, see some .
For more information, visit 天美影院Emergency Management鈥檚 extreme heat and outdoor air quality guides. 天美影院employees working outdoors, don鈥檛 miss Environmental Health & Safety鈥檚 outdoor heat safety and wildfire smoke safety .