Time to bundle up: Cold weather advisory issued for western Washington
Washingtonians may not have to worry about the blistering storms hitting the East Coast this weekend. But that doesn’t mean they are off the hook from cold weather.
The National Weather Service issued a cold weather advisory from midnight tonight to 9 a.m. Sunday for a variety of areas across western Washington, including the lowlands of Pierce County, the lowlands of southern Thurston County, Olympia and the southern Puget Sound region.
Cold temperatures as low as 20 to 25 degrees are expected in these areas Saturday night. The overnight temperatures Sunday night will be slightly warmer, with a low near 29 degrees.
Expect partly sunny weather Sunday, with a high near 42 degrees.
This past week of sunshine and clear weather is unusual for this time of year, according to National Weather Service Meteorologist Jeff Michalski.
“We should be rainy as usual, especially for January weather,” Michalski said.
The local forecast office’s record for driest consecutive days in January was 15 days in 1963. Today marks day 11 of the current dry spell.
Thurston County increases shelter capacity
In wake of the chilly forecast, Thurston County issued its own hazardous weather advisory to increase shelter-in-place efforts and extend the overnight capacity of shelters this weekend.
Olympia Mutual Aid Partners will expand their distribution of supplies to individuals and families living outside, the release said.
There will also be emergency overnight shelter available this weekend for unhoused adults over 18 at Sergio’s Place. The shelter, located at 3444 Martin Way Northeast, will open nightly at 8 p.m. Pets are welcome.
Unsheltered pregnant people and families with children under 18 can shelter nightly at Pear Blossom Place, located at 837 Seventh Avenue Southeast.
Youth and young adults aged 24 and under can take shelter nightly at Rosie’s Place, located at 520 Pear Street Southeast. Call 360-918-7879 to sign up for a spot on weekdays starting at 9 a.m.
Other nightly shelter options include spots for single adults at Union Gospel Mission, as well as St. Michael’s Parish and Sacred Heart for single men.
Call the Thurston County Shelter Hotline at 1-844-628-7343 for more information.
Be prepared for the cold
The NWS cold weather advisory also listed several precautionary actions for staying safe:
Be cautious while traveling outside.
Wear weather-appropriate clothing, including a hat and gloves.
Keep pets indoors as much as you can.
Make sure portable heaters are used properly. Do not use generators or grills inside.
Frequently check on older family, friends and neighbors.
