With highs over 100 expected for six days, emergency cooling shelter to open in Ashland
An excessive heat warning will be in effect from 1 p.m. Monday, July 25, through 9 p.m. Saturday, July 30, in areas of Southern Oregon and Northern California including Ashland, Medford, Grants Pass and Yreka, the Medford office of the National Weather Service (NWS) announced Sunday.
NWS issues excessive heat warnings prior to the onset of extremely dangerous heat conditions. This warning covers portions of Jackson, Siskiyou, Curry and Josephine counties.
Dangerously hot conditions with temperatures between 105 and 110 are expected, according to the warning, with overnight lows much warmer than normal, mainly 65 to 70. Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.
NWS recommends people drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors — and never leave children and pets unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. During warm or hot weather car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. Reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. 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.
The forecast highs for Monday through Saturday for Ashland, per the National Weather Service on Sunday afternoon, are, respectively: 104, 106, 104, 104, 104 and 100.
The forecast lows for the same days are: 67, 67, 67, 68, 66 and 64.
Cooling shelter available in Ashland
A cooling shelter will open Monday in the Gresham Room at the Ashland Public Library, 410 Siskiyou Blvd., the city of Ashland announced Sunday morning. The shelter will be open varying hours through Saturday: Monday, July 25, the shelter will be open from 2 to 7:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, July 26-28, the shelter will be open from 4 to 7:30 p.m.; Friday, July 29, the shelter will be open from 1 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, July 30, the shelter will be open from 2 to 7:30 p.m.
Service animals will be allowed but must be kept on leashes. The shelter will be staffed by community volunteers who have requested that guests be mindful of others health needs, therefore masks will be provided on site. Donations of water and other cooling refreshments are welcome and will be accepted at the shelter location during hours of operation.
For more information on the cooling shelter, contact Linda Reid, Housing Program Specialist at reidl@ashland.or.us or 541-552-2043.
The city will also offer some additional resources to help citizens stay safe and find relief. The Ashland Police Department will have water bottles available to those in need. Officers will carry additional water bottles with them and will be looking for opportunities to assist those who might be vulnerable to heat exhaustion or could benefit from some proactive assistance.
Fire Station No. 1 at 455 Siskiyou Blvd. will have water available for those in need.
Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission provides information about how to find respite in the parks during extreme heat on its website.
In Hunter Park, the Daniel Meyer Memorial Pool is open Tuesday through Sunday. Pool information is available at ashland.or.us/Swim. In Lithia Park, the swim reservoir and the wading area near the children’s playground are available. The splash pad at Garfield Park is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week, at the intersection of Garfield and East Main streets.
Sources: National Weather Service and city of Ashland news releases. Email Ashland.news Executive Editor Bert Etling at betling@ashland.news or call or text him at 541-631-1313.
July 25 update: Excessive heat warning end changed to 9 from 11 p.m. Saturday in accordance with updated National Weather Service post.
