It's hot: Heat wave to stay into the weekend, calling for precautions, checks on elderly

MOSES LAKE — It’s as hot as it’s been in central Washington in a long time. The burning question is, when does the heat go away?

With any luck, temperatures should start dropping by the weekend, although late in the weekend.

Steven Van Horn, meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Spokane, said Friday forecasts show the region has to endure at least a week of blast furnace-hot weather.

“We have high confidence it will be around through at least Friday (July 2),” Van Horn said.

Monday and Tuesday are forecast as the hottest days, but temperatures won’t go down much through the rest of the week.

“For Friday we’re still calling for 107 (degrees) in Moses Lake,” he said. “As we go into next weekend there’s more uncertainty.”

Temperatures still will be well above the normal high (of 83 degrees this time of year), he said, but the extreme heat will ease. The hot weather will be sticking around for Fourth of July weekend, however, although how hot it’ll get is up to the ridge of high pressure overhead that’s the cause of the 110-plus degree heat.

Low temperatures for the week are forecast to be in the high 60s and low 70s.

The Grant County Health District issued a heat advisory last week detailing some of the precautions people can take to avoid heat-related illness. Health district officials even included a link to a pattern for a do-it-yourself neck cooler on the district’s social media page.

The best way to avoid heat-related problems is to stay inside, preferably in a place with air conditioning. If a building doesn’t have air conditioning, it’s best to stay on the lowest floor, out of the sun. Windows that get morning or afternoon sun should be covered with an awning or shade.

Families and friends should make arrangements to check on elderly or ill residents and friends and elderly or ill people should make arrangements to be checked on.

People need to drink plenty of liquids on hot days, but they should avoid beverages with alcohol, caffeine or a lot of sugar.

Pets, too, should have plenty of fresh water, and should have shade if they are outside.

Strenuous activity should be reserved for the early morning or late in the day, when temperatures have started to drop. Frequent breaks are a good idea if working outdoors.

The GCHD also shared some of the symptoms of heat-related illness.

Heat exhaustion symptoms include cramps, dizziness and fainting, vomiting and clammy skin. People who might be suffering from heat exhaustion should move to a cool place, apply a cool cloth and slowly sip a cool drink. If symptoms persist more than an hour, medical attention should be sought.