Streak of 90-degree days to heat up Tri-Cities. Rivers still running cold
Get ready for temperatures to climb more than 10 degrees hotter than normal in the Tri-Cities.
For Monday, the National Weather Service forecasts a high of 97, part of a four-day streak expected in the 90s.
Normally during this time in June in the Tri-Cities highs are about 82 degrees, according to the weather service.
It forecasts a high of 88 for Saturday, with the temperature heating up to 91 on Sunday, 97 Monday, 96 Tuesday and 90 Wednesday.
While playing in the three rivers may sound fun given the unseasonably warm weather, expect the water to still be a little colder than summer temperatures, warns the Army Corps of Engineers.
And falling into water unexpectedly can cause involuntary gasping, known as “cold shock,” which can happen with water as warm as 77 degrees.
At the Van Giesen Street bridge in West Richland, a popular spot for floating the Yakima River, the temperature was 68 degrees Friday morning.
If you are heading to Western Washington, water temperatures in many places will be considerably colder. The White River near Auburn was 54 degrees Friday morning, according to Corps data.
Many factors contribute to drownings, including differences between water and air temperatures, says the Corps.
Cooling cost tips
With temperatures heating up, air conditioning bills also will be rising.
The Benton PUD offers these tips to help keep your costs in check:
▪ Close window coverings during the day to block the sun, especially on windows that face south or west.
▪ Check filters. Dirty filters in central air systems or window units will cause the cooling system to work harder.
▪ Use heat-producing appliances like ovens and irons in the early morning or late evening hours when possible. Use a microwave or barbecue if possible to cook food.
▪ Close off rooms that aren’t being used to focus the cool air on other rooms.
▪ Open windows on opposites sides of the house for cross ventilation.
▪ Portable fans and ceiling fans allow you to set the thermostat 4 to 5 degrees warmer without any discomfort. The fans cool people, not the air temperature, so turn them off if no one is in the room.