Tri-Cities under ‘excessive heat’ warning. High could hit 109 this week

The Tri-Cities area is under an excessive heat warning through Friday evening, with temperatures possibly reaching 109 degrees.

The National Weather Service escalated the heat advisory that had been in effect early in the week to the new warning on Wednesday.

Thursday will be the hottest day of the week, with a possible high of 109, according to the weather service forecast.

Friday a high of 105 is predicted, with highs dropping back into the mid to high 90s for the weekend.

By Tuesday the high could be down to 90, which is close to the average normal high for July and August in the Tri-Cities.

“Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities,” warned the weather service.

Worker safety

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is recommending that outdoor workers take frequent rest breaks in the shade or indoors.

At the Hanford nuclear reservation vitrification plant construction site, protections have been increased this week for outdoor workers.

Workers are taking more breaks and are being offered chilled water to drink. Cool-down stations with misters have been set up.

Safety and health experts are monitoring workers, and contractor Bechtel National is emphasizing constant communication among workers, supervisors and safety personnel to identify any worker who may be experiencing heat stress before the condition escalates.

Signs of heat stress include decreased energy, light-headedness and nausea, according to public health officials.

The Centers for Disease Control says 911 should be called immediately for anyone with symptoms that have progressed to heat stroke, including a fast and strong pulse, a body temperature of 103 or higher, vomiting, dizziness or confusion.

Short supply

People who have waited to buy wading pools and larger stand-alone backyard pools will find them in short supply if they can find them at all.

Because Tri-Cities public pools have not opened due to the COVID-19 pandemic this summer, demand for wading pools surged a month ago, earlier than usual, said Charlie Grigg, vice president of Griggs Department Store in Pasco and Tri-Cities Ace Hardware and Sporting Goods.

The stores were mostly sold out on Wednesday, but store buyers are searching for more stock to sell through the end of the summer, Griggs said.

Inflatable tubes for floating have also been in high demand, with some stock left, he said.

Cooling options

Usually during Tri-Cities heat waves, residents without air conditioning are advised to cool off in air-conditioned public places such as movie theaters, community centers and libraries.

However, the coronavirus pandemic has those closed.

The city of Richland recommends that people trying to keep cool in their homes turn off computers and appliances not in use that generate heat and eat food that does not require turning on stoves or ovens.

“Take advantage of the cooling power of water,” the city posted on social media. “Fill buckets or basins and soak your feet. Wet towels and bandannas can have a cooling effect when worn on the shoulders or head. Take cool showers or baths, and consider using a spray bottle filled with cold water for refreshing spritzes.”

With more people out of the rivers because of the hot weather, Richland police are reminding anyone boating, paddling or being towed in the water to wear a life jacket, no matter how good a swimmer they are.

People who cannot swim or are inexperienced swimmers should also consider wearing life jackets.

Tri-Cities area parks and boat ramps have loaner boards with life jackets in sizes for children through XL adult for people who need them.

Extreme fire danger

Benton and Franklin county fire districts are warning that the fire danger this week is rated very high or extreme in the two counties.

“When the fire danger is ‘extreme,’ fires of all types start quickly with intense burning,” Benton County Fire District 1 posted on social media.

Franklin County Fire District 3 warned against driving off road and target shooting.

This story was originally published July 29, 2020 at 12:53 PM.