SPOKANE COUNTY — After a brief respite of cooler air, hot, above-average temperatures are slated to return to the area later this week and over the weekend.
The forecast has led to another excessive heat advisory to be issued by the National Weather Service from now through Aug. 15. It’s the fifth excessive heat advisory issued so far this summer.
“This will really begin to dry things out and re-energize the local fires and others in the west including those over British Columbia,” weather officials wrote on their website.
A low pressure trough delivering slightly cooler or near normal temperatures last weekend through Monday quickly moved eastward, and is replaced by another unusually strong upper level ridge, with high pressure building back in and bringing with it the unseasonably hot temperatures beginning today (Thursday, Aug. 12) and running through the weekend.
The system also brings with it the chance of thunderstorms and breezy and at times gusty winds this weekend. The heat risk for the region is moderate to high Thursday and Friday, and high to very high Saturday and Sunday, with daytime highs into the upper 90s during the former and topping 100 degrees over the latter two days.
The system will also work to increase hazy and smoky conditions from area wildfires, with northerly winds possibly bringing in increased smoke to the region from wildfires in British Columbia, especially as those fires become more active in the coming days, while also potentially increasing smoke production from local fires. The heating will also be accompanied by “subtle drying and plenty of sunshine through relatively thin high clouds.”
“This combination should bring a little more life to the regional fires, but not to the point there will be widespread thick smoke,” weather officials wrote. “Not yet anyways.”
Besides British Columbia fires, a south to southwest flow on Friday and Saturday could bring in increased smoke and haze from fires in Oregon and California. Breezy winds may linger into Monday, with highs dipping into the 80s and 90s.
The 8 – 14 day weather outlook calls for continued above average temperatures and below average precipitation. Much of Eastern and Central Washington are already under “exceptional” drought conditions, with the state Department of Ecology declaring a drought emergency on July 15 for all of Washington except the Seattle, Tacoma and Everett corridor.
Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses. The public should take precautionary actions, be prepared by monitoring the latest forecasts and warnings for updates and never leave young children and pets unattended in vehicles under any circumstances and especially during warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.
Health officials offer these tips for staying cool and protected during excessive heat:
Wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen. Choose light-weight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing. If you go outside, wear sunscreen as a sunburn will inhibit your body’s ability to keep cool.
Pace yourself. Cut down and limit your activities. Get to a cool area or into the shade.
Stay cool indoors. Try to remain indoors in an air-conditioned space. Take a cool shower or bath to help your body cool off.
Limit outdoor activities especially during the hottest afternoon hours.
Avoid hot and heavy meals as they add heat to your body.
Drink plenty of fluids. Don’t wait until you are thirsty. Water is best. Avoid caffeinated beverages, alcohol and beverages that contain large amounts of sugar. Check with your physician if you are taking water pills.
Replace the salts and minerals that your body sweats off. These electrolytes need to be replaced. A sports drink or rehydration drink can help.
Boating officials urge residents taking to the waters to be safe and practice the above safety measures. They also stress keeping snacks on hand to replace electrolytes and calories, keeping eyes on the water for swimmers and other boaters, filing a float plan, not going out alone and always wear a life jacket.
Reader Comments(0)