Excessive heat watch issued by NWS

RITZVILLE – After a short reprieve Sunday, expected high temperatures prompted the National Weather Service to issue a new excessive heat watch Monday for Adams County.

The watch was the most recent of several this summer, and extended through Wednesday evening.

The new watch included all of Eastern Washington, except for small mountainous areas of Walla Walla, Kittitas and Yakima counties.

Meteorologists said high temperatures would reach as much as 105 degrees in Eastern Washington.

“Extreme heat combined with unusually warm overnight temperatures will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illness,” the excessive heat statement from the National Weather Service said. “Conditions will be difficult for residents without air conditioners. Those working or participating in outdoor activities will also be vulnerable.”

In the Ritzville area, the forecast is for 100 degrees Tuesday and 101 Wednesday.

The weather service is advising residents to drink plenty of water, stay in air-conditioned buildings and out of the sun. It is also advising motorists not to leave children or pets in vehicles.

Residents, however, may get a break from the heat if smoke from wildfires burning around the Pacific Northwest settles in over the area.

The smoke could provide insolation against the expected heat, meteorologists said. But it could also affect residents with respiratory health issues.

High temperatures are expected to drop back into the 80s by Friday, similar to conditions Sunday, Aug. 1, when a small cold front quelled the previous heat wave.