Hot temperatures are increasing the chances of forest fires (today’s high at Sea-Tac, 95, was a record), so if you’re going camping be careful.

This is also a good time to remind folks about the following Heat Advisory issued by the National Weather Service Saturday night, which is in effect until Monday night:

… Heat advisory remains in effect for the greater Puget Sound region and the southwest interior of western Washington until 10 PM PDT Monday…

A heat advisory remains in effect until 10 PM PDT Monday.

* Temperatures: high temperatures will range from the upper 80s to the upper 90s. Nighttime temperatures will vary more. The warmest overnight lows will be in the 60s and will occur in the urban areas of the central and north Puget Sound. In addition… equally warm overnight lows will occur away from the water on the hill tops and ridge tops.

* Impacts: the elderly… children… and people who work outside are especially vulnerable to the effects of heat. If proper precautions are not taken… heat exhaustion or heat stroke are possible. Drink plenty of fluids… stay in an air-conditioned room and check up on relatives and neighbors.

* Children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances… especially during warm or hot weather. Car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.

Precautionary/preparedness actions…

A heat advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is expected. This weather pattern is creating a situation in which heat illnesses are possible. Drink plenty of fluids… stay in an air-conditioned room… stay out of the sun… and check up on relatives and neighbors.

BTB Advertiser Archery Bistro (located at the Normandy Park Towne Center), would like our Readers to know about their latest food specials and events.

Here’s a letter from Chef Brandon about this week’s offering:

Well, I know I don’t need to tell you how hot the past few days have been. But I can tell you what the best way to cool down is. Come eat some soup at Archery Bistro! Drinking or eating hot liquids will make you sweat, therefore cool you down! I find it funny too! But since I know Tomato Bisque isn’t exactly what you are craving when it is 90 degrees out, come and try my new Watermelon and Cucumber salad! Wash it down with a glass of rose or one of our tropical signature cocktails! Hang out on the patio with your friends and keep those sunglasses on all night when our fire pit turns on!

Here is our first friendly reminder about our July wine dinner featuring Waterbrook Winery. It will take place on Sunday, July 25th. The menu will include prosciutto wrapped fruits, Pepper crusted Ahi, Baby Spinach Salad with creamy Pear Vinaigrette, and a dueling entrée dish which will have Black Cod and Kobe Beef! Finished off with a homemade brownie and homemade Cookie Dough Ice Cream! Call us today to make your reservations!

Mention my blog when you come in and I’ll buy you an appetizer when you purchase two entrees! This cannot be offered with any other coupon or discount though!

Be sure your pets have fresh, cool, clean water!!

Adios!
– Chef Brandon

[Would you like to have a Blogvertorial story, Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by over 51,000 interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

Here are some pics of what you could be doing today:

Hilario keeps cool in the city's new spray park at Town Square.

Keep cool at Burien's new spray park...

...then adopt a pet at the Humane Society's MaxMobile.

With the recent record-breaking (yet sudden) heat wave, folks throughout the area are trying to find creative ways to stay cool. One way to really stay and “be cool” is to go to tonight’s FREE Music & Movies in the Park at Lake Burien Memorial Park, starting at 6:30pm.

According to Burien Parks’ Gina Kallman:

To help with the warm weather we will also be turning on sprinklers in a corner of Lake Burien School Park from 3-4pm and 7-8pm.

We will also have ice cream for purchase from Fult Tilt’s ice cream bike, and complimentary water and soda from Burien Toyota…should be a good night!

Burien Parks will turn on the sprinklers at Lake Burien Memorial Park from 3-4pm and 6-7pm today.

Also, the city of Burien will be “giving away” pet licenses at tonight’s show, where you can also meet our new Animal Care & Control Manager:

Dogs on leash are welcome at the official kick off event, July 8, 6:15 p.m. before the Music in the Park concert at Lake Burien School Park, SW 148th St. and 16th Ave. SW.

Free licenses will be available.

Dr. Leslie Kasper, DVM, the new director of Burien Animal Care and Control, will be on hand to answer questions.

Tonight’s concert will feature Chasing Jane, “new Americana pop music with a cutting edge,” or as they say on their website:

Chelsi and DaLona front the band, a sister act full of charisma. Their vocals are solid and mesmerizing, and the chemistry with their audiences refined. The two have toured in other bands and both been involved in the music industry professionally in various forms for several years. They have shared stages with multiple reputable artists and played on stages across the nation.

There is just so much to be taken in when seeing Chasing Jane live. It’s a full seven piece band featuring multiple talented musicians, each member playing several instruments from mandolin to lap steel. There are pianos, electric guitars, harmonicas, shaker, and banjos weaving their way through the tunes as well. There are also harmonies cleverly ghosting their way in from the edges of every phrase keeping you on your toes waiting for more. No moment is dull. Even the ballads were written with such passion that you are just hanging on to every word and phrase.

Here’s a video of ‘em in action at the Puyallup Fair:

Click here to view the embedded video.

The National Weather Service issued a “Heat Advisory” for the northwest on Tuesday (July 6), as the summer season gets “switched on,” with temps predicted to hit highs around 90 degrees or so toward the end of the week.

First, the weather service’s advisory in its full glory:

Statement as of 3:23 PM PDT on July 06, 2010

… The first stretch of hot weather is expected across western Washington this week…

The cool and moist onshore flow pattern which dominated western Washington weather through the Fourth of July has come to an end this week… as a strong upper level ridge and offshore develop over the area. Offshore flow will increase tonight and Wednesday helping maximum temperatures to rise into the 80s to mid 90s the next few days.

Latest computer models indicate that the upper level ridge will weaken this weekend and onshore flow will return. This is the more typical onshore flow we see during the Summer that helps to moderate the warmest weather patterns. Although temperatures will cool down a little this weekend… they will remain warmer than normal.

Temperatures in the 80s to mid 90s can cause some heat related health problems even in western Washington. As temperatures climb into the 90s… sunstroke… heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity. This is especially true for the elderly. Some precautions that will reduce the risk of heat related illness include but are not limited to… reducing strenuous activity… wear lightweight and light colored clothing… and drink plenty of water or other non-alcoholic fluids. Also… never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles during hot weather.

***The following are the record high temperatures and year of occurrence for select locations. Refer to the forecast for the expected high temperatures on these dates.***

Wednesday /Thursday /Friday

Sea-tac 88 (1953) 87 (1985,52) 91 (1985)

Olympia 95 (1953) 94 (1952) 95 (1985)

Bellingham 88 (1953) 85 (1952) 85 (1979,52)

Quillayute 80 (1996) 82 (1968) 85 (2007)

Hoquium 81 (1996) 87 (1956) 83 (2002)

Sandpoint 82 (1996) 82 (2006) 81 (2003)

And now, some ways to beat the heat in Burien, along with some common sense tips:

1. THURS.. July 8: Go to Lake Burien Memorial Park and enjoy a FREE concert from Chasing Jane, along with sprinklers at 3pm and 7pm courtesy Burien Parks; here’s their Tweet from Tuesday, July 6:

#Burien Hot enough for you? Cool off at Thursday Concert In The Park. We will have sprinklers going at 3PM and 7PM

2. Find a cool place to hang out. The main branch of the Burien Library has air conditioning, as does the new Community Center and numerous other publicly-accessible buildings around the area.

3. Red Cross Safety Tips:

With temperatures expected to rise this week, the American Red Cross encourages individuals and families to take the necessary precautions. The very young and the elderly are especially vulnerable to the heat, so it is important that families and friends check on them regularly.People with chronic health issues are also at greater risk and need to take special care to stay healthy in the heat.

Prevent Heat-Related Illness:

• Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing (light colors reflect away some of the sun’s energy) and plenty of sunscreen. Wear a hat or use an umbrella to help shield you from the sun.
• Carry water or juice and drink frequently, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body. Make sure to check on youth and elderly to make sure they have enough fluids.
• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increases metabolic heat.
• Avoid using salt tablets unless directed by a physician.
• Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do something physically demanding, try to do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually between 4:00 and 7:00 a.m. Take regular breaks to cool off.
• Stay indoors as much as possible [EDITOR'S NOTE: We encourage all Readers to stay inside, reading the B-Town Blog as much as possible; best bet is to just sit there and press the "Refresh" button on your browser to see the latest stories.].
• Be vigilant about water safety if headed to a pool or beach. Never leave a child unattended near water and keep lifesaving gear handy.
• Watch for signs of life-threatening heat stroke. The person’s temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly.
• Signals of heat stroke include hot, red, and usually dry skin, changes in consciousness, rapid, weak pulse and rapid, shallow breathing.
• If you or someone you know experience symptoms, call 9-1-1 or your local EMS number. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body by wrapping wet sheets around the body and fan it. If you have ice packs or cold packs, place them on each of the victim’s wrists and ankles, in the armpits and on the neck to cool the large blood vessels. Watch for signals of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear. Keep the person lying down.
• Don’t forget to protect your pets.
• Limit exercise to the coolest part of the day, typically early in the morning. Even in the coolest part of the day, watch for signs of trouble. Glassy eyes and frantic panting indicate a dog needs help.
• Make sure your pet has constant access to shade and an endless supply of cool, clean water.
• Never leave a pet in a car – even for a few minutes.
• Be vigilant for signs of heat stroke, which is deadly for pets. Symptoms include sluggish and non-responsive demeanor, bright red and/or dry tongue and gums, vomiting or diarrhea and/or unusual breathing patter, heavy panting, or high heart rate.  If your pet displays these symptoms, get emergency medical attention.

Here’s a photo slideshow of the record-setting days as shot by Photographer Michael Brunk:

Click to View Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow

We’re not saying that the 102.9-degree heat recorded Wednesday, July 29, 2009 was the hottest day ever.

No, that would be pretentious of us to think that it’s never been warmer here (since 1891 is when records started being kept, and there was plenty of weather history before then, right?).

With that said, can you FLIPPIN” BELIEVE HOW FLIPPIN’ HOT IT WAS TODAY???

104 degrees?

IN BURIEN???

Okay, so now that it’s cooled down a bit (and our keyboard isn’t drenched in sweat), we’d like to share some pics that BTB Readers sent us after we asked for “hot temp” pics (sorry, we’re only sharing the G-Rated stuff…and thanks gang, keep sending us more of those special pics!):

From Reader Carrie Rasmussen comes these photos of cookies being cooked in the back window of her Nanny Gloria’s car:

That's right...those are chocolate chip cookies baking in the rear window of a car.

And here they are...chocolate chip cookies. Freshly baked. In a CAR.

From Reader Candice Packer comes this pic of a truly-retro Honeywell thermostat showing that today’s temp was totally off the chart:

Our own Mini Cooper Blogmobile recorded the following 104-degree temp whilst overheating in downtown Burien:

BTB Photographer Francis Zera appears to have won the “hottest place” contest with this shot of his thermometer hitting 106.2!:

Francis’ prize of course is a duct-taped-patched down snowcoat we found at Value Village for $4.99, which he will be required to wear everyday (zipped up to the neck) until summer ends.

In the meantime, if you have any hot weather pics (wink wink), send ‘em our way. We’ll be posting more until we pass out from heat exhaustion.

The patented B-Town Blog Weather Rock™® (ok, so it’s not really a rock but we bet there’s quartz inside there, plus, that sounds waay cooler than a “Digital Thermometer”) shows proof that yes, the outside temp has hit 100 degrees in Burien, specifically outside our office window in Olde Burien.

Hey…remember during the big snowstorm last December, when everyone sent pics of how much snow they had in their yards?

Let’s do that again, only this time please send pics of the temp on your Weather Rock (aka “digital thermometer”; heck, we’ll even post analog ones) to us and let’s see who’s got the hottest yard!

Email us here.

Now, enjoy this photo and remember this record-setting day/week; and do you think it’s going to get much hotter?:

by Dr. Leslie Kasper, DVM
Companion Animal Medical Center

Boy it’s hot out! Ninety-plus degree weather and no real rainfall in months; Burienites haven’t seen weather like this for some time! But I guess now they understand the real meaning of “The Dog Days of Summer.”

I mean really, you think you got it bad?! Don’t forget about us – imagine wearing a fur coat and not being able to sweat other than through the pads of your feet (unless they are hairy too) and by panting! Yuck, Dry Mouth! So just as a kindly reminder from some of your fuzzy four-legged friends, here are some tips to help make keep us cool and comfortable too!

Cars + Pets = Death!
Think I’m being dramatic? Hundreds of pets die every year from being left in cars during summer heat. Yes, I know it’s just a quick errand and you left the windows cracked or even down, but in 80+ degree heat outside, the inside of a car can easily reach over 100 degrees in about five minutes. Best course of action is to just leave me at home! Really, you will only be gone a few minutes…

Shade or Shelter
If some of your four-legged friends spend a majority of their time outside during the day, make sure they have an adequate amount of shade to protect themselves. Doghouses can be helpful, but like your house or car, if it’s in the sun all day they can hold heat and provide little comfort. If the roof is detachable try lifting it up slightly or setting it off kilter to allow for airflow and heat escape. Having a second shelter or shaded area allows for options as the day and temperatures progress. If your pet has a light skin colored nose or ears (areas with little to no hair) a bit of sunscreen may be warranted as well.

Fresh water at all times!
Inside or out, all pets need access to fresh clean water. If possible when outside keep it in the shade, then it is bearable to drink and doesn’t evaporate quite as fast. Multiple bowls may be needed as we will go through more water than usual. But even inside, with all the fans and a/c going, the air becomes dry, and a good drink would feel great on that panting tongue. And ice cubes make fun toys!

Oh, and on the subject of mouths…
Don’t be surprised if the appetite falls off a bit! Sometimes it just doesn’t sound appealing to eat in this heat. Oh, and of course, sometimes heat can cause imbalances in the intestines, so soft stools can occur also!

Emergency Situations
Okay, we all know you are great pet-parents, but sometimes it’s just too hot! If you notice any of these symptoms, please call my veterinarian right away for evaluation or advice:

• Difficulty breathing, especially in cats or dogs with short noses (like pugs, pekes, bull dogs, and others)
• Pale gums, nose, eyes, or inner ears which are normally pink.
• Vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of food/water intake
• Shaking, seizures, or unresponsiveness when stimulated.

Okay, now go out and be safe!

Sincerely,
Rover and Tiger

(Courtesy of BTB Advertiser Companion Animal Medical Center, 206-878-0405)

The Burien Parks Department wants kids of all ages to cool down by running through their sprinklers at Lake Burien School Park, where they’re turning on the irrigation systems for two one-hour periods over the next few days.

If you’re wondering what this new “spray ground” looks like, here’s a video courtesy Michael Lafreniere, Director of Burien Parks:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Lake Burien School Park’s main grassy area will become a “spray ground” as the Department turns on the irrigation systems for two 1-hour periods over the next few days.

WHEN: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (7/28/09-7/30/09), from 3pm-4pm and again from 7pm-8pm

WHERE: Lake Burien School Park (located at SW 149th & 16th Ave SW)

COST: None. It’s FREE!

INFO: The Parks folks also add:

“In addition to this fun and wet opportunity to cool off, some cool breezes can be found along the shore at Seahurst Park, in the cool forests of Eagle Landing Park and Dottie Harper Park, and along the really cool trails in Shorewood Park.

More information about these cool parks is at http://www.burienwa.gov/index.aspx?NID=687.”