As Hot Rat Summer heads into its warmest days, Huskies face a double challenge – rising temperatures and potential wildfire smoke.
UW students, faculty and staff can expect August to be warmer and drier than usual, 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 above-average fire risk this year.
That means it’s a good time to grab your largest water bottle and check out the UW’s tips for handling hot and smoky days.
What does the University do if there’s 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’s Emergency Management team in Seattle and the UW Bothell and UW 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.
UW employees working outside (and their supervisors) are required to follow UW Environmental Health & Safety’s outdoor heat exposure guidance. EH&S also has info about excessive indoor heat for the UW’s 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 UW Facilities handles campus cooling 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’s Emergency Management team keeps an eye on the air quality index (AQI) and info from the National Weather Service to protect the UW community.
When the AQI reaches (or is expected to reach) unhealthy levels for an extended period of time, UW Emergency Management gets the Weather Status Assessment group together to determine if a change in UW operations is needed. Environmental Health & Safety also requires safety precautions for UW 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’s why it’s 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’t make it to campus, let your professor or supervisor know.
If the UW changes operations due to heat or air quality (or both), where will that info be shared?
If UW, UW Bothell or UW Tacoma decide to change operations due to the weather, we’ll share the news via email to students and employees at the affected campus. We’ll also send a UW Advisory text message (make sure you’re 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 UW Information Lines at 206-UWS-INFO (206-897-4636) or toll-free 1-866-897-4636. For UW Bothell, call 425-352-3333.
If there’s no message posted, your campus is operating on a regular schedule.
Any advice for cooling off?
- If you’re in Seattle, check out the new IMA pool (free for current Seattle students) or consider renting a canoe or a kayak from the UW Waterfront Activities Center.
- UW Tacoma students can visit the Tacoma Center YMCA pool or any other YMCA pool (free for current students and students who attended Spring quarter).
- UW Bothell students living on campus or elsewhere in Bothell can swim for free at McMenamins Anderson School’s North Shore Lagoon swimming pool with ID and proof of Bothell residency (take a pic of your lease).
- If you’re visiting one of the area’s beautiful lakes, rivers and beaches, see some safety tips.
For more information, visit UW Emergency Management’s extreme heat and outdoor air quality guides. UW employees working outdoors, don’t miss Environmental Health & Safety’s outdoor heat safety and wildfire smoke safety training courses.