Excessive heat advisory issued to county

COLFAX — The National Weather Service has issued an extended severe heat warning advisory to Whitman County.

According to National Weather Service meteorologist Charlotte Dewey, the excessive heat warning went into effect on Saturday, July 6, and will slowly cool down after Thursday, July 11.

“Essentially, the hot, dry conditions are starting already and will continue until next week. We are talking 10-15 degrees above average,” she said.

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures are expected to spike in the low 100s.

Dewey states that the hottest days were predicted to hit on Tuesday, July 9, and Wednesday, July 10.

“Certainly, it will be the hottest in the northern parts of Whitman County and Spokane County,” she said. “When we have excessive heat, we do have a high-pressure system in place. With this a lot of time, when we see high pressure systems they can get to where they don’t move much. Because of this, our daytime and nighttime elevations will remain very hot for multiple days.”

According to Dewey, the National Weather Service is uncertain of the expected cool-down trend. She reports that when the weather cools down, the temperature will only slowly drop by 2-3 degrees.

“Even if the heat warning ends on a specific day, the temperatures will not see a drastic cooldown. The temperatures will continue afterward,” she said.

With the excessive heat advisory in place, the National Weather Service encourages the public to take time to cool down.

The high temperatures, however, are not record-breaking. According to Dewey, the hottest time of the year is typically around mid-summer in Eastern Washington.

“We should not even focus on the record-breaking; it’s the duration. The long duration with little to no relief will greatly affect people,” she said.

Dewey urges people to avoid being outdoors during the hottest part of the day unless necessary.

“Stay hydrated with plenty of water. If you have to be outdoors, find some shade. Check on the elderly, pets, and kids and help with cooling. This heat will not just impact sensitive groups; it will impact everybody. Everybody should take precautions,” she said.

According to Dewey, heat stroke and heat exhaustion are common in excessive heat waves.

“If you happen to be outdoors and can’t get adequate cooling or hydration, you will start to see the symptoms associated with those,” she said.

Heat stroke symptoms include a high body temperature, confusion, and loss of consciousness, while heat exhaustion symptoms involve heavy sweating, weakness, and dizziness.

“Keep staying hydrated, take breaks and find shade,” added Dewey.

Author Bio

Olivia Harnack, Editorial Reporter

Olivia Harnack is a Journalist at the Whitman County Gazette. Olivia is enrolled at University of Idaho and is majoring in digital film studies. She serves in the United States Army National Guard and is proud to serve Whitman County.

• Email: editor@wcgazette.com