The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for a region of the state that includes Benton County, in effect from noon Tuesday until 11 p.m. Wednesday.
Afternoon high temperatures are expected to reach 95 to 100 degrees Tuesday and Wednesday with overnight lows only dropping into the 60-degree range, according to the advisory issued by the National Weather Service’s Portland office. The advisory covers portions of northwest and west central Oregon and southwest Washington.
Wildfire smoke building up west of the Cascades over far northwest Oregon and southwest Washington could limit high temperatures by 1 to 3 degrees, the weather service said. But even with some smoke-related cooling, forecasters said temperatures will still be hot enough to raise the risk 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 National Weather Service advises.
Weather.com shows high temperatures continuing past Wednesday. Philomath’s forecast shows highs of 95 on Thursday, 93 on Friday and 90 on Saturday.
Heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events. The Oregon Health Authority has published information online about preventing heat-related illness.
The public is reminded not to leave children or pets unattended in vehicles where interior temperatures can reach lethal levels within minutes even with windows cracked.
Cooling centers, indoor sites that are free for the public to access during designated hours, are typically available. According to Benton County, Philomath Community Library (1050 Applegate St.) offers relief during its operating hours — Monday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.