The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for the Benton County lowlands, a region that includes Philomath, to be in effect from noon Thursday to 10 p.m. Friday.
The NPS predicts dangerously hot conditions with temperatures around 100. Overnight lows are projected for upper 50s to near 70 — warmest in urban areas, the Columbia River Gorge, Cascade foothills and valleys.
Conditions will begin to warm Wednesday with highs of 90 to 95.
According to the forecast on weather.com, Philomath will reach 94 degrees Wednesday, 100 Thursday and 95 Friday. Nighttime lows on those days are expected to be in the range of 57 to 60 degrees.
To prepare for the heat, the NPS recommends drinking plenty of fluids, staying in an air-conditioned room, staying out of the sunshine and checking on relatives and neighbors. In addition, do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles with car interiors capable of reaching lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.
Precautions to take when outside include wearing lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. Strenuous activities should be limited to early morning or evening. And take action when symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke are seen.
Benton County maintains a webpage with a list of cooling centers to get out of the heat. The 211info.org website also maintains a list of cooling centers in Philomath with various details, including days and hours of operation.