Heat wave: temperatures approaching triple digits this week

MOSES LAKE — It being July, a heat wave is not unexpected, and one is on its way. The National Weather Service is predicting temperatures around 100 degrees for most of the week, starting today. 

“This is kind of the hottest time of the year, climatologically,” said Miranda Cote, meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Spokane.  

The NWS is forecasting temperatures near 96 degrees Monday; highs are expected to ramp up to about 100 degrees through Friday. The normal high for Moses Lake in mid-July is the low to mid-90s.  

“The peak is around Wednesday,” Cote said. 

Low temperatures are forecast for the low 50s to mid-60s through the end of the week. 

Lexi Smith, public information officer from the Grant County Health District, said there are things people can do to make it easier to deal with triple-digit temperatures. 

“Stay in the (air conditioning) as much as possible. If your house is not air conditioned, most of the NCW Public Libraries serve as cooling centers in our area, and there's one located in most towns in Grant County. Or you can also visit 211 for more cooling center options,” Smith said. 

The regional library system, NCW Libraries, has branches in Coulee City, George, Moses Lake, Grand Coulee, Quincy, Mattawa, Soap Lake, Royal City and Warden.  

The Ephrata Public Library is scheduled for remodeling, but that will start in early August, said Librarian Aaron Loeffelbeim.  

“We just had our HV/AC system repaired in the fall, and it’s working very well,” he said.  

The Washington Department of Health advises people to close their blinds on windows that get morning or afternoon sun. That can have a significant impact on interior temperatures, the DOH website said.  

It's not always possible to stay inside, and Smith said there are precautions people should take if they must be outdoors in the hottest hours.  

“Make sure you're drinking lots of water, wear sunscreen, wear protective clothing when you're out and about, and must be in the sun,” she said.  

Some jobs, of course, require people to be outside, and Sebastian Moraga, communications consultant with the Washington Department of Transportation, said DOT is considering shifting some of the projects to night hours. 

When possible, outdoor activities should be moved to a time of day when temperatures are cooler, the DOH said. People should take frequent breaks if they have to be outdoors.  

People and pets should never be left in parked vehicles, Smith said.  

“Don’t forget about your pets. Make sure they’re cool and have plenty of water as well,” Smith said. 

Pets that live outside should have a shaded area along with plenty of water, she said.  

The DOH advises people to drink fluids but avoid beverages with alcohol, caffeine, or a lot of sugar. People should eat more frequently, the DOH said, but meals should feature lighter fare. 

“Make sure you’re checking on your loved ones,” Smith said. 

People who are elderly or ill can be at increased risk from heat-related illnesses, and the DOH recommended frequent checks on family members and neighbors. People who might be at risk should arrange to have a check at least twice a day, the DOH website said.