Hot weather forecast for Tri-Cities, but beware of swimming

It’s time to plan some fun in the sun with temperatures in the Tri-Cities forecast to climb to the mid-80s in the coming days.

Just remember it may be too early to spend time in the water, officials say.

The high April 16 should be in the low 70s. Starting April 17, highs should be at least 10 degrees above normal, with the thermometer reaching 80 degrees in the Tri-Cities, according to the National Weather Service.

By April 19 the high could hit 86 degrees. Normal highs for April in the Tri-Cities climb from 63 at the first of the month to 70 degrees at the end of the month.

Playing in the Columbia River may look tempting. But when air temperatures are in the mid-70s to mid-80s, river water likely will be in the 40s, according to the weather service. Body heat is lost 25 times faster in cold water than in cold air, causing hypothermia shortly after being in the water.

Signs of hypothermia, which progresses faster in children, the elderly and those who have been drinking alcohol, include cold hands and feet, poor coordination and mental sluggishness.

This story was originally published April 15, 2016 at 11:45 AM with the headline "Hot weather forecast for Tri-Cities, but beware of swimming."