Man dies of intense heat in Tri-Cities. No relief yet from triple-digit temps

The heat wave has taken the life of a man staying in a motor home east of Pasco, as triple-digit Tri-Cities temperatures continue for a second week.

Franklin County Coroner Curtis McGary said the 61-year-old man likely died in his motor home on Wednesday, July 10, when the temperature of the Tri-Cities reached 108. He was last seen that day and friends found his body when they checked on him Saturday.

Intoxication appeared to contribute to his death. He may have passed out in his motor home, McGary said.

Mid-morning Saturday, the temperature in his motor home was as hot as 112 in some areas, the coroner said. The motor home was in a farming area on Green Road about five miles east of Pasco between the Pasco-Kahlotus highway and the Snake River.

As of Monday the high temperature in the Tri-Cities had been at least 100 for 10 of the past 11 days, and the temperature has been above the normal range since July 4, according to National Weather Service data.

It predicts more highs of at 100 or hotter through at least Sunday, July 21. On Sunday it forecasts a high of 106.

Tri-Cities area residents will get little relief from the heat at night this week. Lows through Saturday night are forecast to range from 66 to 71.

Normal highs in mid-July in the Tri-Cities are about 93 and normal lows are about 57.

This story was originally published July 15, 2024 at 11:28 AM.