Heat & Cold | Skagit County

Extreme temperatures can affect anyone, but some people are at greater risk, including older adults, young children, people with certain health conditions, people who work outdoors, and people without reliable heating or cooling.

In Skagit County, periods of extreme heat or cold can also contribute to power outages, hazardous travel, and increased demand for emergency services. Prepare ahead, check on people who may need help, and follow official weather and emergency information.

Extreme Heat

Extreme heat can cause serious illness and even death. The Washington State Department of Health urges residents to take protective steps during hot weather, especially during extended periods of high temperatures.

Before Extreme Heat	During Extreme Heat
Sign up for Skagit Ready Alerts.	Drink water regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty.
Check weather forecasts and heat advisories.	Spend time in air-conditioned or cooler locations when possible.
Know where you can go to cool down if your home becomes too hot.	Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.
Make sure fans or air-conditioning equipment are working, if available.	If you must work or exercise outside, take frequent breaks.
Keep drinking water available.	Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
Close blinds or curtains on windows that receive direct sunlight.	Never leave a child, vulnerable adult, or pet in a parked vehicle.
Make a plan to check on family, friends, neighbors, and others who may need assistance.	Keep pets supplied with fresh water and access to shade.
Include pets in your heat-safety plan.	Check frequently on people who may be more vulnerable to heat.

Learn more about the signs of heat related illness.

If Your Home Becomes Too Hot

If you do not have air conditioning:

Spend time on the lowest level of the home and out of direct sunlight.

Keep blinds or curtains closed during the hottest part of the day.

Use fans appropriately, but remember that fans alone may not provide enough protection during very high temperatures.

Consider going to an air-conditioned public location or an official cooling location if one is available.

Continue monitoring Skagit County and local community information for resources available during the heat event.

Extreme Cold

Cold weather in Skagit County can bring freezing temperatures, snow, ice, freezing rain, strong winds, hazardous roads, and power outages.

Preparing before temperatures drop can help protect you, your household, pets, plumbing, and vehicle. Washington DOH recommends preparing homes, vehicles, clothing, and emergency supplies before winter storms arrive.

Before Extreme Cold	During Extreme Cold
Sign up for Skagit Ready Alerts.	Wear several layers of loose-fitting, warm clothing.
Monitor weather forecasts and winter storm warnings.	Keep your head, hands, and feet covered.
Make sure you have warm clothing, blankets, food, water, medications, and other essential supplies.	Stay dry and change out of wet clothing as soon as possible.
Winterize your home and protect exposed pipes from freezing.	Limit unnecessary travel during snow or ice events.
Prepare your vehicle with emergency supplies.	Use heating equipment safely.
Keep phones and backup batteries charged.	Conserve heat by closing doors to unused rooms and covering drafty windows when needed.
Make a plan for possible power outages.	Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow or working outside.
Bring pets indoors or provide appropriate shelter from the cold.	Continue monitoring road conditions, weather information, and local emergency updates.