Spokane, Washington, is bracing for a late-summer heat wave that will send temperatures soaring into the 90s by Thursday, with the possibility of triple-digit heat by Sunday. The intense stretch of hot and dry weather is set to dominate the region through the weekend and into early next week, prompting local officials to issue warnings for residents to take precautions.
According to the National Weather Service in Spokane, the weather will begin to heat up on Wednesday, with temperatures reaching around 86 degrees during the day, accompanied by light south winds. This will set the stage for steadily rising temperatures as the week progresses. By Thursday, the high is expected to climb to near 89 degrees, and by Friday, temperatures will rise further, hitting the low 90s.
Saturday is forecasted to be the hottest day of the week, with Spokane reaching a scorching 96 degrees. The heat will persist through the weekend, with Sunday and Monday temperatures hovering around 97 degrees. Even during the night, there won’t be much relief, with overnight lows staying in the low 60s, making it feel as if the hot weather is unrelenting.
The extended period of heat poses several risks to residents and the environment. Authorities have cautioned about the dangers of dehydration, heat-related illnesses, and wildfire spread. Spokane County emergency officials are urging residents to limit outdoor activity during the peak afternoon hours, which will be the hottest part of the day, and to stay well-hydrated. Additionally, it’s important to check on elderly neighbors or those who may be more vulnerable to the extreme heat.
The dry conditions have also heightened the fire risk across the Inland Northwest, as wildfire season is in full swing. Light winds could quickly spread flames if any new fires are ignited, particularly in rural areas to the west of Spokane and into northern Idaho. The combination of high temperatures and dry conditions means that residents should be extra cautious when engaging in outdoor activities, as even small sparks could ignite large wildfires.
The forecasted heat wave will linger through at least Tuesday, keeping Spokane and the surrounding areas in a hot and dry grip. For residents, this means they should be prepared for prolonged high temperatures, and those with air conditioning will find it especially valuable in the coming days. For others, finding ways to stay cool and taking safety measures during the heat will be crucial to avoid heat-related health risks.
The five-day forecast for Spokane looks as follows:
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 86°F. Winds from the south at 5-9 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 89°F. Low around 55°F.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 93°F. Low around 58°F.
Saturday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 96°F. Low around 61°F.
Sunday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 97°F. Low around 63°F.
