Hot stuff: heat wave expected to blanket central Washington

SPOKANE — A late-August heat wave is expected to settle over central Washington beginning Saturday and continue through Wednesday with temperatures near 100 degrees for Ephrata and surrounding areas.

The National Weather Service in Spokane has issued an “extreme heat watch” advisory that begins at noon tomorrow and extends to 9 p.m. on Aug. 27. High temperatures ranging from 95 to 102 degrees are forecast with “limited overnight relief” from low temperatures of 65 to 74 degrees.

The advisory extends for residents in the Methow Valley south and east to Lewiston, Idaho.

“Hot temperatures will increase the risk of heat-related illnesses,” the Weather Service advised. “Heat of this magnitude affects anyone without cooling and hydration as well as health systems and industries.”

Precautions include drinking plenty of non-alcohol fluids, staying out of direct sun particularly in the afternoon, wearing lightweight and loose-fitting clothing, taking frequent rest breaks in shaded or cool environments if working outdoors, and limiting strenuous activities to early morning or evening hours.

Checking in on vulnerable relatives and neighbors is encouraged, and children and pets should not be left in unattended vehicles, where interiors can reach lethal temperatures in minutes. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool, shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency requiring prompt medical care — call 911.