Triple-digit temperatures forecast for the week
MOSES LAKE — So it’s summer and all that, it’s supposed to be hot and all that, but to be honest Mother Nature is getting a little extreme. Temperatures are forecast to break 100 degrees in Grant County and stay there the entire week.
Nor will it do any good to try to beat the heat anywhere in the Pacific Northwest. “It (the hot weather) is just all over the place,” said Joey Clevenger, meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Spokane.
In fact, it’s supposed to be hotter in Portland on Wednesday than it is in Moses Lake. It’s going to be hot in Seattle, hot in Spokane, hot in Boise, Idaho.
Temperatures in Moses Lake are forecast for 103 degrees Thursday, 105 degrees Friday and 104 degrees Saturday. The current forecast calls for triple-digit temperatures into Sunday and Monday, although forecasting a week ahead becomes a little less exact, Clevenger said.
Temperatures are supposed to drop – a little – by midweek. “You’ll have some relief. But not much,” he said. Temperatures could drop into the mid- to low 90s by the middle of next week.
Winds will be shifting and will be blowing out the north, which will increase the chance of smoke from the fires in British Columbia. Normally winds from the north mean cooler temperatures – but not when it’s as hot there as it is in central Washington, Clevenger said.
Blast-furnace heat requires people to take some precautions, and the Washington Department of Health has a list on its website.
The DOH suggests staying indoors, and in an air-conditioned environment if possible. It helps to cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun – awnings and window coverings can cut the heat, by up to 80 percent.
“Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid beverages that contain alcohol, caffeine or a lot of sugar,” said the DOH press release. The DOH suggests eating more frequently, but that meals should be balanced and light.
Babies should be dressed for the weather, and parents should avoid wrapping them in warm blankets.
“Check frequently on people who are elderly, ill or may need help. If you might need help, arrange to have family, friends or neighbors check in with you at least twice a day throughout warm weather periods.” People who take certain kinds of prescription drugs, including diuretics, antihistamines, mood-altering or antispasmodic drugs, should consult a physician about the effects of sun and heat exposure, the press release said.
Hot cars are bad, so neither people or pets should be left in a vehicle. Pets that stay outside should have plenty of fresh, clean water.
Activities should be restricted to early or late in the day, before or after the heat. People who have to be outside should take frequent breaks and have water handy. Loose, light-colored clothes and a wide-brimmed hat are recommended for outdoor activities. People should avoid sunburn, since that interferes with the body’s ability to cool itself, the DOH release said.
Dizziness, nausea, headaches and muscle cramps are early signs of heat illness. At the first sign of heat illness, the sufferer should move to a cool location, rest and slowly drink a cool drink. If the symptoms persist the person should get medical treatment immediately, the press release said.
Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at education@columbiabasinherald.com.