Week-long heat wave crashes into North Idaho

COEUR d’ALENE — It’s hot. 

There’s no other way to describe it. 

Hundreds of people crowded the beaches along Lake Coeur d’Alene on Friday afternoon — swimming, paddleboarding, sunbathing, playing in the sand — as temperatures soared to a high of 87 degrees. 

Though blistering, Friday brought the coolest temperatures that are likely for at least a week. Multiple triple-digit days are in the forecast, with Tuesday and Wednesday expected to reach 100 degrees and 101 degrees, respectively. 

“In the summertime, we get ridges of high pressure and that brings in the warmer air from the south,” said Laurie Nisbet, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Spokane. 

That warm air is likely to stick around through next weekend, bringing with it scorching temperatures during the day and providing little relief at night. Overnight lows will be in the 60s and 70s. 

“It will be difficult for houses without air conditioning to cool down at night,” Nisbet said. 

Folks in North Idaho will have plenty of time to bask in the heat. But it’s important to stay cool when temperatures reach dangerous highs. 

“With a major heat risk, it’s going to be a widespread impact to anyone,” Nisbet said. “Everyone will be sensitive to the heat, given the temperatures we’re expecting. It’s not very often that Coeur d’Alene reaches 100 degrees.” 

Nisbet emphasized that anyone spending time outside during the heat wave will be at increased risk of heat exhaustion, not only vulnerable populations such as children and elderly people. 

To combat heat exhaustion, drink lots of fluids and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Take breaks when working outside. 

The Idaho Office of Emergency Management recommends that people avoid relying solely on fans for cooling because they don’t reduce body temperatures effectively. Cover windows with drapes or shades and use window reflectors and insulation to help regulate indoor temperatures. 

High temperatures pose a risk to animals, too. Pet owners should take care when exercising their pets and avoid going out during the hottest parts of the day, according to the Humane Society of the United States. 

Provide ample shade and fresh, cold water when pets are outdoors. Be especially careful with pets with white-colored ears, as they are more susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer, as well as pets with short snouts, because they may have difficulty breathing. 

Nisbet encouraged people to check on their neighbors during the heat wave, especially those who don’t have air conditioning. 

“If you don’t have air conditioning, don’t be afraid to seek out air conditioning at other locations, whether that be a library or restaurant or grocery store, so you aren’t sitting in a sweltering hot house or apartment,” she said.