Playing with fire
Wyatt Laird, 18, of Coeur d’Alene, ramps up the excitement at the splash pad in McEuen Park on Monday as he jumps to knock water onto himself and others to cool down in the heat. Fire danger has been elevated to high as Kootenai County experiences a heat wave this week.
DEVIN WEEKS/Press
Abi's Ice Cream employee Ella Wilson serves Kimberly Reed, 17, a chilly treat Monday afternoon. "We have been so busy," employee Maclaryn Kelly said between customers. North Idaho is at the start of a heat wave, with a heat advisory in effect until Thursday night. (DEVIN WEEKS/Press)
Boone the border collie pants in the shade while resting with her owner, Aly Sorrentino of Coeur d'Alene, as the two enjoy a few games of fetch in McEuen Park on Monday. Temperatures will be in the upper 90s this week and possibly 100 on Thursday, so pet owners will want to be sure their animals have proper shade and water. Never leave animals, children or senior citizens in hot cars. (DEVIN WEEKS/Press)
Patrons seek cover beneath red umbrellas Monday at the Buoy CDA by Tubbs Hill. North Idaho will experience a heat wave this week with temperatures possibly reaching or exceeding 100 degrees on Thursday. (DEVIN WEEKS/Press)
Boats and watersports are a popular getaway on Monday as people head to the lake to cool off. A heat advisory is in effect until Thursday night, and a burn ban goes into effect Wednesday as fire danger in Kootenai County is elevated to high. (DEVIN WEEKS/Press)
Harris
Heat advisory in effect; burn ban begins Wednesday
A summer heat wave is baking North Idaho.
The high Monday was 93 degrees, according to Press climatologist Cliff Harris.
And it's only going to get hotter. The National Weather Service in Spokane issued a heat advisory Monday that will be in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday.
Heat advisories mean that people can be affected by heat if precautions are not taken. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-90s or higher.
"I do believe this will be the hottest week of summer, hotter than two weeks ago," Harris said. "We may go toward 100 degrees on Thursday, depending on cloud cover. That will keep it down.
"It's possible on Thursday we have our first triple-digit temperatures here in Coeur d'Alene," he said.
People in downtown Coeur d'Alene made good use of shade provided by umbrellas and trees as misters pumped out refreshing droplets around bars and the splash pad in McEuen Park was alive with joyful kids cooling off in the water.
"People are worried about it hitting 100 degrees? I used to live in Vegas," said Aly Sorrentino, who played fetch with her border collie, Boone, in a shaded area of McEuen. "We got 115, 120. That's the first time I've ever heard someone be worried about 100. In L.A., too, that's super hot. It's pavement city."
Harris said Coeur d'Alene reached a record 104 degrees on Aug. 10, 2018. The hottest day last summer, Aug. 8, reached 97 degrees.
"August tends to see the warmest weather, early to mid-August, but this year it may be July," Harris said. "The main thing we have to worry about is fire danger. Even a spark off a lawnmower can start one."
Fire danger in Kootenai County was elevated to high on Monday, according to information from Northern Lakes Fire District.
The Idaho Department of Lands with the Kootenai County Fire Chiefs Association is closing burn permits on Wednesday. The forecasted low humidity, high temperatures and breezy conditions are expected to increase fire behavior. Nocturnal thunderstorms could come through the Panhandle with little rain, but lightning activity is expected to be low with any cells moved out of the area by this morning, according to the National Weather Service.
"During this time of closure, the only form of burning allowed will be limited to small diameter recreational fires consisting of 'clean' wood," states a Northern Lakes news release sent out Monday. "When camping, never leave a fire unattended, have a bucket of water and shovel ready. When you leave, make sure the fire is cold to the touch and is DEAD OUT!"
Harris emphasized the importance of providing adequate water and shade for pets, as well as not leaving animals, children or senior citizens in hot cars.
"It’s just going to be god-awful," Harris said. "It’s the reason we have air conditioning."
The American Red Cross (www.redcross.org) gives these recommendations for people experiencing extreme heat:
• Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio for critical updates from the National Weather Service
• Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol
• Eat small meals and eat more often
• Avoid extreme temperature changes
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays
• Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day
• Postpone outdoor games and activities
• Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat
• Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors
• Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
• Check on your animals frequently to ensure they are not suffering from the heat
"It's going to be hot, mainly clear. The winds bother me a little, but we've had a very windy summer," Harris said. "Friday night into Saturday could cool down into the upper 80s for highs. Overnight lows will still be in the upper 50s, lower 60s.
"People were complaining about the cool May and June," he said. "This is the opposite extreme to that. These extremes are global, and they’re increasing."
