Hot, dry, windy conditions incoming

MOSES LAKE — While the winds are forecast to die down Tuesday, hot summer temperatures – and increased fire danger – will be sticking around. Jeremy Wolf, meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Spokane, said temperatures will increase again after today.  

“(Temperatures) will be rebounding back up for the middle to the end of the week,” Wolf said.  

The high temperature Thursday is forecast to be 97 degrees, Wolf said. That follows a substantial period of dry weather – which is still ongoing – which increases the possibility of fires. 

The high wind warnings issued for the Columbia Basin and other parts of Eastern Washington expired Monday night, but Wolf said it’ll still be windy through Tuesday afternoon. Dry vegetation and winds are a combustible combination, and Heather Kok, CARES coordinator for the Moses Lake Fire Department, said fire danger is very high. 

“Everything is highly flammable,” she said. “Extreme fire danger weather.” 

Grant County instituted a burn ban in June, prohibiting all open fires; some agricultural burning is allowed, but only with a permit from the Washington Department of Ecology. The county burn ban doesn’t apply to incorporated areas, but Kok said the MLFD is advising people against any kind of open fire, even in a green backyard. Sparks and embers can travel, especially on windy days, and there is plenty of unimproved land – with dry vegetation — within the city limits. 

Hot temperatures also carry health risks. The Washington Department of Health had some suggestions for staying cooler when the weather approaches triple digits. 

People should stay hydrated, the DOH press release said, and stay inside, preferably in an air-conditioned building. If the building doesn’t have air conditioning, people should close the blinds and keep the windows shut; windows can be opened when it cools off. A fan can be used to circulate air indoors. A cooling center is an option where they’re available.  

Heat can be a problem for people with preexisting conditions, seniors, children and pregnant women, the DOH release said. People should check on family members, friends and neighbors, especially when they live alone or have health conditions.