Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Heatwaves breaks one high temp record from 2008
A high-pressure ridge led to many record high temperatures in Eastern Washington.
COLFAX — Whitman County finally broke a record high on Tuesday after a week of triple-digit temperatures setting records across Eastern Washington.
Tuesday’s record high was 95 degrees in 2008 and it hit 104 degrees by mid-afternoon and there was potential to climb a little bit higher. The Whitman County Gazette’s deadline was Tuesday.
“Today we are seeing the hottest temperatures and we will see a cool down after that,” said National Weather Service Meteorologist Laurie Nisbet on Tuesday.
On Monday, the high temperature was 102 degrees, missing the 2015 record of 105 degrees.
Thursday high temperatures are predicted to be between 98 and 102 degrees, said Nisbet. The temperature range should remain through the weekend.
Temperatures should continue trending down slowly as maritime air spills into the Columbia Gorge. Southwest winds of 10-15 mph are expected. With triple-digit heat, warm breezes, and humidity values, grass and brush fires will have the potential to spread quickly, according to the National Weather Service.
Some thunderstorms are possible as air moves up from Oregon into southern Washington on Friday afternoon, perhaps Saturday.
“Confidence is very low at this time. There is not a lot of agreement on this occurring, but it cannot be ruled out,” said a National Weather Service representative.
Southwest winds of about 10-15 mph are occurring each afternoon and early evening across the Palouse. Gusts of 20-25 mph are expected.
“This will create concerns for any new or existing fires for the region,” said a National Weather Service representative.
On Monday and Tuesday, the highs should drop to the 90s.
On the Fourth of July it should be about 95 degrees, she said.
“It’s probably going remain above average through the middle of July,” said Nisbet.
The high-pressure ridge generating the extreme heat continues over Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho.
“It kind of flattens a bit but it remains quite hot,” Nisbet said.
The actual town temperatures vary. For Whitman County, the National Weather Service uses data from the Pullman –Moscow Regional Airport.
The National Weather Service updates its forecasts daily, reflecting changes in wind, humidity, precipitation, air pressure, and more.
Warnings are being issued for people to take precautions to avoid overheating. Air conditioning is the best, but several steps can be taken for people living in homes without it. Some tips include:
• Take a cold bath or shower
• Use cold wet rags on wrists and neck
• Use box fans
• Keep curtains and blinds closed
• Keep doors closed to rooms not being used
• Sleep in a basement
• Sleep in breathable linens
People having trouble keeping cool need to be aware of signs of heat exhaustion. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, cold and clammy skin, nausea, muscle cramps, feeling tired or weak, dizziness, and headaches.
A person suffering heat exhaustion should drink a lot of fluids and seek ways to get cool, according to the CDC. If they are vomiting or the symptoms last longer than an hour, they should receive medical attention.
When a person has similar symptoms and a body temperature of 103 degrees, confusion, and passes out, they may be suffering heatstroke. Emergency medical attention is needed immediately. Call 9-1-1, according to the CDC.
Bill Stevenson is the former editor of the Whitman County Gazette, Colfax Daily Bulletin and Franklin Connection. He has nearly 30 years of journalism experience covering news in Eastern Washington.
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