108-109 degrees! Get ready for a week of blistering Tri-Cities temperatures

Annette Cary
·4 min read
3

The latest forecast for the Tri-Cities predicts a high of 108 on Tuesday, breaking the daily heat record , according to National Weather Service data.

An excessive heat warning has been issued for much of the state of Washington. In the Tri-Cities the warning is for the work week through Thursday night, with four days of high temperatures hotter than 100 degrees forecast.

The forecast for Monday was 103. Tuesday should be the hottest day of the week and likely the summer with a high forecast of 108 degrees. Highs of 106 are forecast for Wednesday and 104 for Thursday.

Record highs for Monday Aug 14 are 105 set in 1992; 104 set in 2021 for Tuesday Aug. 15; 106 set in 1942 for Wednesday Aug. 16; and 110 sent in 1977 for Thursday Aug. 17.

That would make the Tuesday high a record breaker and Wednesday would tie the high temperature record for the date, based on the weather service forecast for high temperatures this week..

An excessive heat warning is issued for the Tri-Cities, Washington, Aug. 14-17.
An excessive heat warning is issued for the Tri-Cities, Washington, Aug. 14-17.

But the Weather Channel forecast predicts even hotter temps for the Tri-Cities with three days of record breaking highs — 109 on Tuesday, 107 on Wednesday and 108 for Thursday.

Relief from the heat is coming.

High temperatures will cool by nearly 20 degrees between Tuesday and the weekend, according to the weather service.

Friday temperatures may drop slightly below 100 and highs of 88 and 89 are forecast for the weekend.

Hot weather cooling centers

Before temperatures cool, the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for people working or spending time outdoors, will increase significantly, according to the weather service.

Take extra precautions outdoors, it said.

When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing.

“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” it said.

Places designated temporary cooling centers to get relief from the heat include libraries, Columbia Center mall in Kennewick, the Martin Luther King Center in Pasco, the Richland Community Center and City Hall, and in Prosser Becky’s Coffee Corner and Renz Farmers Insurance Agency.

Keep electric bills down

If high electric bills are a concern, the Franklin PUD offers some tips:

  • Set your thermostat to the highest setting comfortable. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill.

  • Avoid using your oven, dryer or dishwasher during the hottest times of the day.

  • Use ceiling and oscillating fans to create a “wind chill” effect. The moving air makes the temperature in the room feel cooler, allowing for a higher thermostat setting.

  • Close blinds and window coverings during the hottest times of the day to reduce heat radiating into your home.

  • Grill outdoors or use your microwave oven to prepare meals.

  • Turn off lights, TVs and appliances when not in use.

  • Turn down the temperature on your water heater.

New worker rules in WA

In Washington state, new heat stress rules went into effect July 17.

Employers must encourage and allow employees to take preventative cool-down rest periods when temperatures are at least 80 degrees.

Shade or other means for cooling down must be provided, with enough shade for all employees on a meal or rest period to sit fully in the shade, and it must be located close to where employees are working.

When temperatures reach 90, a 10-minute cool-down rest period every two hours and close observation of employees for symptoms of heat-related illnesses are required.

At 100 degrees, cool-down rest periods must be 15 minutes every hour.

Rest periods are paid time, unless during a meal break.

Drinking water must be cool and enough available for each worker to drink at least a quart per hour.

A pair of paddbleboarders and one well trained dog share in the quiet of summer reflection during a cool early morning excursion on the calm waters of the lagoon at the Two Rivers Park in Finley. Facing the forecast of triple digit high temperatures for most of this week, many outdoor enthusiasts may want to consider adjusting their outdoor schedule to avoid the heat of the day.

Signs of heat illnesses

Signs of heat related illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, include:

▪ Heat cramps symptoms are muscle pain or spasm and heaving sweating during exercise.

Move to a cool place, drink water or a sports drink, and wait for cramps to go away.

Get medical help if you have heart problems, are on a low-sodium diet or cramps last longer than one hour.

▪ Heat exhaustion symptoms include heaving sweating, clammy skin, a fast and week pulse, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, headache and fainting.

Move to a cool place and loosen clothing. Put wet cloths on your body or take a bath. Sip water. Seek medical help right away for vomiting, if symptoms get worse or symptoms last longer than an hour.

▪ Heat stroke occurs when the body temperature is 103 or higher. Skin will be hot and dry and the pulse fast and strong. Other symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion and passing out.

Call 911 immediately. Lower body temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath. Do not give the person anything to drink.

Courtesy Centers for Disease Control
Courtesy Centers for Disease Control