Heat wave hits region

CHENEY – An excessive heat warning remains in effect across Eastern Washington and much of north Idaho this week.

The warning issued Sunday by the National Weather Service runs until 11 p.m. Thursday.

The heat wave comes as wheat farmers across the regional are wrapping up harvest.

According to the National Weather Service, farmers and others working outdoors should be vigilant in monitoring the effects of heat-related illnesses as temperatures soar as high as 108 degrees in some areas of the Columbia Basin.

There will be "limited relief at night, with low temperatures in the mid-60s to low-70s," the National Weather Service reported.

Unofficially, the temperature had reached 101 degrees Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 15, in the Cheney area.

The National Weather Service had forecast that daytime temperature again for Wednesday and Thursday, before dipping into the 90s on Friday.

The overnight lows in the Cheney area was forecast to be 66-67 degrees Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights, before sliding to a cool 57 Friday night.

The National Weather Service is advising residents to prevent pets, livestock and children from being exposed to the heat of the day the remainder of the week.

"Prolonged exposure to heat can result in heat stroke and heat exhaustion," the agency said. "This type of heat will be dangerous to anyone without proper hydration or adequate cooling.

To keep children cool, residents took their children to municipal pools and water parks throughout the region. Some headed to beaches at nearby lakes.

For those without any air conditioning, the Weather Service cautioned other residents who stayed home: "For those without air conditioning, living spaces can become deadly during the afternoon and evening."

At least six cooling centers had opened in Spokane County to help those residents escape the heat.

To avoid heat-related illnesses, the National Weather Service advises residents to drink plenty of fluids and refrain from being in the sun too long.

"Check up on relatives and neighbors," the agency said. "Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes."