Very hot weather returning this week

MOSES LAKE — While summer 2020 has been remarkably temperate — a lot more 85-degree days than 100-degree days — it’s still July. Another spell of very hot weather is forecast for this week.

Todd Castro, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Spokane, said temperatures should hit 100 degrees starting Monday, and the blast-furnace level heat is projected to continue through Thursday. “A good four days of pretty hot weather,” Castro said.

Temperatures are forecast to hit 102 degrees Monday and Tuesday, and 100 to 101 Wednesday and Thursday. “Our heat waves have been short-lived. This one is going to be the longest one of the summer so far,” Castro said.

According to NWS records, summer 2020 has produced only one day where temperatures exceeded 100 degrees — July 21, where it hit 101 degrees. The weather pattern has been a little unusual in the lack of 100-plus days. “Kind of unusual for it to wait this long,” Castro said. And when it’s been hot, the hot spell has been of short duration.

“Another short one, but still a warm one,” Castro said.

Hot weather can put people at risk for heat-related illness, and Castro said people should take precautions. “Kind of like a winter storm. We plan for the cold, we plan for the heat,” he said.

People should avoid strenuous activities in the hottest parts of the day, according to information from the Washington Department of Health. People should stay inside in extreme heat, preferably in a building with air conditioning.

People should drink plenty of liquid, but avoid beverages with caffeine, alcohol or a lot of sugar. Pets should have plenty of water.

Senior citizens and people with chronic disease can be at higher risk. People are encouraged to check on family members and friends who are in high-risk categories.

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at [email protected].