After rainy weather, heat wave returns to North Idaho

The Inland Northwest is bracing for another record-breaking heat wave set to move into the area by the end of the week, prompting the National Weather Service to issue an excessive heat watch for the region.  

Temperatures are expected to peak Friday and Saturday, with many areas likely to reach triple digits. Temperatures are expected to remain above normal, accompanied by warm overnight lows for the next several days.  

The recent cooler, wetter weather has been invaluable to those on the frontlines of massive wildfires throughout the West — but with the incoming heat wave, it is over all too soon. “Wildfires that got knocked down a bit by the cool and damp will fire up again,” Dan Smith with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality said. Hot, dry conditions also bring the risk of new fires taking off.  

Air quality throughout North Idaho is another concern. “I’m anticipating air quality to rise into the Moderate category again by the weekend,” Smith said. Air quality going further into the month of August will depend heavily on whether fire activity is exacerbated by the impending heat wave.  

The National Weather Service advises against working outside or participating in outdoor activities, if possible, for the duration of the excessive heat watch. Drinking plenty of water is also crucial, regardless of whether you are spending extended amounts of time outdoors.