Despite high temps, Tri-Cities rivers still impacted by unusually cold spring

April showers, bring May flowers, but this year’s April snow could bring cold water shock for swimmers.

With warmer weather hitting the Tri-Cities after a cooler spring than normal, the Benton Franklin Health District is warning families to be more careful in and around local rivers when they want to find a place to cool off.

Because of the below-normal temperatures these past few months, and a mid-June snowpack in the Cascade Range, fresh snowmelt is still being placed in river flows, according to a news release.

The Health District said local rivers will continue to be cold through July, which can be deadly for people who are not prepared or unaware of water temperatures.

Even with the warm weather, the river water throughout Washington can cause cold water shock, and weaken even some of the strongest swimmers, according to the news release.

They recommend letting someone know where you are going when heading to the river, ensuring you have an emergency contact, and said people should never float on the river alone.

It is recommended to wear a lifejacket when participating in activities in lakes, rivers, salt water and pools without a lifeguard. There are loaner stations that allow people to borrow a lifejacket throughout the summer.

Boaters and swimmers can check the National Weather Service website to see how warm or cold the water will be.

This story was originally published June 24, 2022 at 10:20 AM.