CHENEY – After a brief reprieve from the summer heat, high temperatures were expected to resume Tuesday and remain through the week.
The high-heat prompted a heat advisory to be issued for Whitman, Spokane and a portion of Lincoln counties, among other areas.
To the south and west, an excessive heat warning has been issued.
The warnings are in effect from noon Wednesday through 11 p.m. Friday.
According to the National Weather Service, the temperature in the West Plains area should remain in double digits, topping out at about 98 degrees on Thursday, Aug. 18.
"Hot temperatures will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those sensitive to heat," the weather service reported. "Residents without air conditioners will experience a buildup of heat within their homes during the afternoon and evening hours."
The last time the temperatures were at the same level, Cheney City Hall was opened for residents as a "cooling center."
The temperature will dip only slightly and will likely remain in the mid-90s through the weekend, the weather service reported.
"Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of
the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors," the agency said in its advisory.
Just a few miles away, the weather service is predicting temperatures to top 100 degrees.
Sprague was expected to hit 101 Wednesday and 102 Thursday, before dropping to the upper 90s.
Edwall, Harrington and Odessa are expected to reach 100 degrees on Thursday.
And Ritzville is forecast to top 102 degrees.
The weather service said residents shouldn't expect it to cool off much overnight, as lows will still be in the 60s.
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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