Triple-digit temps incoming

MOSES LAKE — It’s to be expected, of course — it is summer, after all. What the National Weather Service is calling a “long-duration heat wave” is forecast to arrive Friday. 

Joey Clevenger, meteorologist with the NWS office in Spokane, said the heat will stick around at least through the beginning of next week.

“After the Fourth of July, we’re expecting heat pretty much from Friday into the next Tuesday,” Clevenger said.

July 4 is forecast to be in the high 80s and low 90s throughout Central and Eastern Washington. The high temperature in Moses Lake and Othello is forecast to be about 92 degrees. After that — well, dig out that tank top, add some extra ice cubes, check the air conditioner. From Friday on, it’s just going to get hotter.

Friday’s high is forecast to be 100 degrees, with temperatures ramping up to 104 by Monday and Tuesday. It will cool off when the sun goes down, Clevenger said, but not enough to moderate daytime temperatures.

“We’ll still be running pretty warm at night,” he said. Low temperatures are forecast to be 60 to 65 degrees. 

How long it’s going to stay 100-plus is unclear, he said.

Those high temperatures are caused by high pressure aloft. 

“We kind of have this ridge pattern over us while this is going on,” Clevenger said. “Our typical summer ridge that doesn’t go anywhere.”

The Washington Department of Health recommends that people pay attention to the weather reports; people with infants in the family, with elderly family or friends, should plan ahead. People who are vulnerable to heat illness — like young children, the elderly, and people with health conditions — should be checked on frequently.

Symptoms of heat illness include dizziness, nausea, headaches and muscle cramps, the DOH press release said. People experiencing any of those symptoms should rest immediately and move to a cooler location. Immediate medical attention is advised if symptoms persist.

People with heat illness symptoms should stay away from a cold shower. The result can be hypothermia, the DOH said.

Shutting windows and closing curtains during the daytime helps keep the house cooler. Reducing oven and stove use helps too. It’s important to drink a lot of non-alcoholic fluids, the DOH press release said, and people shouldn’t wait until they’re thirsty to drink.

People should confine activities to early morning or late evening when temperatures start to cool. If people are working outdoors they should take frequent breaks. A wide-brimmed sun hat and loose-fitting clothing in light colors are recommended. 

The heat’s not good for animals, either. Outdoor pets should have protection from the heat and plenty of water. Walking on asphalt on a hot day can burn a dog or cat’s paws.

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at cschweizer@columbiabasinherald.com.