Temperature expected to reach 103 by Friday
CHENEY – The city is getting ready for triple-digit heat this week by opening City Hall as a cooling center.
The city announced announced its plans Tuesday, July 26.
"Due to the extreme heat we are experiencing over the next several days, the city of Cheney is opening up the lobby and auditorium at City Hall as a cooling center," a statement released by the city said. "Anyone in need of relief from the heat is welcome to come cool off at City Hall between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. July 26-29."
The announcement comes as the National Weather Service predicts temperatures this week reaching as high as 103 degrees Friday.
The forecast comes as the agency announced an excessive heat warning for Eastern Washington that started at 11 a.m. Tuesday and runs through 11 p.m. Friday.
"Afternoon temperatures will reach the upper-90s to lower-100s," according to the excessive heat warning. "Temperatures (will) near 105 degrees along the Snake River Valley and lower Columbia Basin, overnight temperatures in the 60s to lower-70s."
With a high of 97 degrees, Tuesday was expected to be the coolest day of the week in Cheney.
The National Weather Service expected the daytime high in Cheney to reach 100 on Wednesday, 101 on Thursday and 103 on Friday, before edging back down to 100 on Saturday and 95 on Sunday.
"Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities," the National Weather Service said. "Residents without air conditioners will experience a buildup of heat within their home through late in the week.
To help alleviate the risk of heat-related illness, officials said residents should drink plenty of water, stay in an air-conditioned room and out of the sun.
Residents should check on elderly neighbors and relatives, officials said.
Neither pets nor children should be left inside unattended vehicles, officials said.
"Take extra precautions when outside; wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing," officials said. "Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening."
City Hall's cooling amenities can accommodate up to 50 people at a time, officials said, noting City Hall is at 609 Second St.
"Out of respect for fellow citizens, please limit the time you are at the cooling center to a reasonable cooling off period," the city said. "s every person is different, we are not putting a hard and fast time limit on the length of a persons stay in the cooling center."
Roger Harnack is the owner/publisher of Free Press Publishing. Having grown up Benton City, Roger is an award-winning journalist, columnist, photographer, editor and publisher. He's one of only two editorial/commentary writers from Washington state to ever receive the international Golden Quill. Roger is dedicated to the preservation of local media, and the voice it retains for Eastern Washington.
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