A heat wave continues to plague the Pacific Northwest early this week with an excessive heat warning remaining through at least Tuesday night, the National Weather Service reported.
The warning originally went into effect this past Thursday for the region that includes Philomath and Benton County.
The latest forecast for Philomath shows daytime highs reaching 102 on Tuesday. As of Monday afternoon, predictions called for highs in the upper 80s through the rest of the week. Highs since the alert went into effect included 95 on Thursday, 103 on Friday, 103 on Saturday and 102 on Sunday. As of 4 p.m. Monday, the high temperature was 104.
“Overnight temperatures will be slow to cool off each evening, only falling below 70 degrees for a short period each night, if at all depending on your location,” the National Weather Service reported. “The warm nighttime temperatures will limit chances to recover from the heat, exacerbating the risk of heat-related illness during this prolonged heat wave.”
The warning remains in effect until 10 p.m. Tuesday.
Benton County recommends:
- Stay hydrated and in air-conditioned spaces.
- Limit sun exposure.
- Check on neighbors and loved ones.
- Never leave children or pets in vehicles.
- For a list of places to get out of the heat, go online to the county’s Cooling Centers webpage.
The 211info.org website also maintains a list of cooling centers in Philomath with various details, including days and hours of operation.
Air quality alert in effect
The National Weather Service also reported that an air quality alert is in effect through at least 8 p.m. Tuesday. The Southwest Clean Air Agency, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency issued the advisory.
“High levels of ozone in the lower atmosphere in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels at times through Tuesday evening,” the alert reports. “Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition.”
More information about air quality can be found at: www.swcleanair.gov, www.oregon.gov/DEQ r www.lrapa.org.