Record-breaking heat this week

MOSES LAKE — The heat wave that was supposed to end by midweek is going to behave like an unwanted guest - stay around longer than first anticipated and leave very slowly.

“We do have a forecast for record-breaking heat,” said Charlotte Dewey, meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Spokane. 

Dewey said she expects the heat to stick around longer than first anticipated. The current estimate is that temperatures will start to drop about Friday or Saturday, as the weather pattern that brings in the hot weather starts to dissipate.

“We’ll start to see a gradual breakdown,” she said. 

That doesn’t mean it will cool down very much. High temperatures are forecast to drop by a few degrees, back into the high 90s although they could stay near 100. 

The high temperature in Moses Lake is projected to be 108 degrees Tuesday and Wednesday, dropping to 104 degrees on Thursday. That would break the records for Tuesday and Wednesday. Ritzville’s high is projected to be 105 degrees Tuesday and 106 Wednesday, which would break the record for July 9. High temperatures in Wenatchee are forecast to be 101 to 104 degrees through Thursday.

The forecast doesn’t predict low temps will allow for significant cooling at night, with lows through Thursday in the high 60s, even the low 70s. Tuesday’s low in Moses Lake is forecast to be 74 degrees. In fact, Tuesday is forecast to be the hottest night of the week, with the forecast low in Ritzville 72 degrees and 76 degrees in Wenatchee.

Fire danger increases along with the temperatures; as high pressure breaks down in Central and Eastern Washington it also usually brings gusty winds. Dewey said the current forecast does not include high winds. 

The Washington Department of Health has recommendations for staying out of trouble in record-breaking heat. 

The DOH is suggesting people stay indoors in an air-conditioned environment as much as possible. People should close the curtains in the morning and afternoon. 

NCW Libraries locations serve as cooling centers during regular business hours for people who don’t have access to air conditioning. The library system has branches throughout Grant County, from Coulee City to Royal City. 

Elderly or ill relatives and friends should be checked on regularly. People who are at risk should arrange for a check-in twice a day.

Outdoor activity should be confined to early morning or late afternoon. People who have to be outside should take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water. Anybody who’s outside during the day should wear light clothing and sunscreen.

Whether they’re outside or inside pets also need a supply of fresh water. Owners should take precautions when they go out for a walk with pets — it should be early morning or evening, and people should pay attention to where they’re walking. Asphalt and concrete can burn animal paws.

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