Late summer heat wave hits region

COLFAX – A late summer heat wave was expected to hit much of Eastern Washington, including Whitman County, on Wednesday.

In advance of the heat wave, the National Weather Service issued a heat advisory that was to remain in effect through 8 p.m. Wednesday.

The advisory extended from portions of Idaho west to the Cascade Mountains.

Temperatures were expected to peak here at about 102 degrees on Wednesday and dip to a high of 93 on Thursday before bouncing back up to 98 on Friday.

“High temperatures in the upper-90s to low-100s expected,” the heat advisory said. “This will pose a moderate risk for heat-related illness.”

The high Saturday is expected to be 90 and on Sunday, the forecast is for 94.

Next week, the temperature is expected to slip back down to the upper-80s.

In the meantime, weather officials are advising residents to watch for signs of heat-related illness.

“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” the advisory said.