The Heat is On

INLAND NORTHWEST–An upper-level ridge with easterly winds is contributing to very high temperatures, especially west of the Cascades, according to Meteorologist Matt Callihan with the National Weather Service in Pendleton.

The ridge of high pressure will remain over parts of Columbia, Garfield and Walla Walla counties over the next several days into next week, Callihan said. At the time of this writing, the highest temperature indicated in Dayton on Tuesday afternoon at about 3:30 was 122° F. on the Banner time-and-temperature sign.

It was a little cooler after sunset, with a roasty 100° F. on the sign at 9 p.m. as this week's edition was being put to bed.

Temperatures are expected to begin a slow and slight cooling trend beginning Wednesday, but the thermometer will continue to display triple digits through the Fourth of July weekend, the meteorologist reported.

The hot weather is attributing to very dry conditions and, according to Callihan, with the upcoming isolated thunder storm potential in the John Day and Wallowa County areas on Wednesday through Friday afternoon, there is a potential for lightning events. In addition, while the temperatures remain high, the combination of breezy conditions accompanying these thunder cells, lightning strikes could develop into fire incidents. The last thunder storm earlier in the month had 14 strikes and fire starts, but the conditions were unfavorable for anything significant. However, that is not the case now, he said.

Columbia County Fire District No. 3 Chief Jeromy Phinney told the Dayton Chronicle that local residents should take care and be mindful of the high heat and low humidity conditions when celebrating the Fourth of July, especially if using fireworks.

During any heat wave event, how to get through extreme hot weather comfortably and without heat related illness is key. The NWS has offered some advice how to minimize adverse effects during high temperatures.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), young children, infants, older adults with pre-existing disease, those on certain medications and people with medical conditions in general are more likely to have a heat-related illness. Pregnant women are also at higher risk. Extreme heat events have been associated with adverse birth outcomes such as low birth weight, preterm birth, and infant mortality, as well as congenital cataracts.

It is NEVER safe to leave a child, disabled person or pet in a locked vehicle, even in the winter, but especially during elevated temperature events such as the heat wave the regions has been experiencing over the past week. To prevent accidental heat illnesses or death, lock your cars, even in your own driveway. Kids play in cars or wander outside and may get into vehicles and if unable to get out, can die within 10 minutes. A child's body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult. Store keys where they are out of reach of children. When exiting your vehicle, it is also a good practice to check inside front and back, including the trunk before locking the door and walking away. The NWS suggests to implement this training: "Park, Look, Lock or ask youself, 'Where's the baby?'"

If you see a child alone in a locked car, get them out immediately and call 911. A child in distress due to heat should be removed from the vehicle as quickly as possible and rapidly cooled.

Other ways to minimize heat illness is to slow down. Reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day. Dress lightweight, loose fitting, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight. Minimize direct exposure to the sun. Sunburn reduces your body's ability to dissipate heat.

Eat light, cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads. If you pack food, put it in a cooler or carry an ice pack. Don't leave it sitting in the sun. Meats and dairy products can spoil quickly in hot weather.

Drink plenty of water (not very cold), non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids, even if you don't feel thirsty. If you are on a fluid-restrictive diet or have a problem with fluid retention, consult a physician before increasing consumption of fluids. Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician.

Utilize air conditioning or spend time in air-conditioned locations such as malls and libraries. Use portable electric fans to exhaust hot air from rooms or draw in cooler air. Do not direct the flow of portable electric fans toward yourself when room temperature is hotter than 90°F. The dry blowing air will dehydrate you faster, endangering your health. Take a cool bath or shower.

Reduce heat coming into your home by keeping the blinds and curtains closed. Avoid using stove or oven. Instead use a crockpot and prepare meals early in the day.

Check on older, sick, or frail people who may need help responding to the heat. Each year, dozens of children and untold numbers of pets left in parked vehicles die from hyperthermia. Keep your children, disabled adults, and pets safe during tumultuous heat waves.

Don't leave valuable electronic equipment, such as cell phones and gps units, sitting in hot cars. Make sure rooms are well vented if you are using volatile chemicals.

Outdoor workers can be at a higher risk to the effects of excessive heat. It is important to drink water often, rest and cool down in the shade during breaks, gradually increase workload and allow more frequent breaks for new workers or workers who have been away for a week or more, know symptoms, prevention, and emergency response to prevent heat-related illness and death and check weather forecasts ahead of time to be better prepared.

Signs of heat exhaustion are: Faint or dizzy, excessive sweating, cool pale clammy skin, nausea or vomiting, rapid, and weak pulse, muscle cramps. If you or someone experiences these symptoms, get to a cooler, air-conditioned place, drink water, if fully conscious, take a cool shower or use cold compresses.

Heat Stoke is of great concern. Symptoms are: Throbbing headache, confusion, no sweating, body temperature above 103° F., red, hot, dry skin, nausea or vomiting, rapid, strong pulse and may lose consciousness. If this happens, CALL 9-1-1, move person to cooler place, cool using cool cloths or bath, and do not give anything to drink.

These extreme heat events do not occur often or for very long in fact the last incidence of a heat wave at this time of the year was June 27-28, 2015 when temperatures tipped 107 degrees. It is up to you to protect yourself by using common sense.