Document text
Heat wave on the horizon By Nick Morgan Jul 22, 2022 01:00 AM A A Irie Weavers, 9, of Central Point plays in the water with family at Don Jones Memorial Park in Central Point Thursday to try to stay cool. According to the National Weather Service, next week will be even hotter. [Andy Atkinson / Mail Tribune] 100s forecast every day next week, and nights expected to be warm too Local meteorologists are bracing for a heat wave expected to bring 100-degree temperatures all next week — with no clear end in sight. Southern Oregon’s forecast calls for multiple triple-digit days, with warm nights that will bring only limited relief, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Sven Nelaimischkies. Saturday is expected to be in the low 90s, and that will be the last time we’ll see it that cool for days on end, according to Nelaimischkies. Sunday’s forecast calls for a high of 99 degrees. “That’s when we start heating up rapidly,” Nelaimischkies said. Triple digits begin in earnest Monday with 104 degrees in the forecast. Tuesday will see a high of 103, and it could reach 105 by Thursday. “It could go on beyond that, but that’s as far as it goes in our forecast,” Nelaimischkies said. The extended forecast, which looks between eight and 14 days out, shows nothing but “above-normal temperatures.” “This could go on for a bit beyond seven days,” Nelaimischkies said. More concerning to local meteorologists than the triple-digit highs, however, are the warm nights in next week’s forecast. Saturday night is expected to see a low of 62 degrees in Medford, Sunday will see a low of 63, and Monday will see a low of 65. By Wednesday and Thursday, the projected low lifts to 67, and the forecast calls for an overnight low of 69 degrees Friday. “Once we get toward the end of next week, that’s when we’re getting the most heat effects,” Nelaimischkies said. As of Thursday, no advisories or Red Flag warnings had yet been issued for the high temperatures expected next week, but a Red Flag warning could be on the horizon Friday or Saturday. Nelaimischkies said the agency typically issues advisories only one or two days prior to the weather event. The Weather Service advises locals to use caution on the Rogue River during the heat wave, warning of fast-moving currents and cold water temperatures that could shock some people’s bodies. Nelaimischkies recommended people drink plenty of water during the heat wave and limit activities during the hottest parts of the day. “Especially, check your car,” Nelaimischkies said, advising people to ensure no kids or pets are left inside. The National Weather Service recommends that people know the signs of heat-related illness and watch for them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, signs of heat stroke include a high body temperature, hot, red, dry or damp skin, a fast, strong pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion and loss of consciousness. In the event of heat stroke, call 911 right away. Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, pale, cold and clammy skin, nausea, dizziness, headache and a fast, weak pulse. Health officials recommend seeking medical help right away if you’re throwing up, your symptoms get worse or if symptoms last longer than an hour. Homeless people, the elderly, children and people who already have health issues are the most at risk. For more information, see cdc.gov/extremeheat/index.html . The Lions Club representing Central Point and Jacksonville is collecting bottled water donations to help older people and others in need during the hot weather, according to a post on the Central Point Community Forum Facebook group. Donors can drop off bottled water cases at Crater Cafe during business hours at 327 E. Pine St. in Central Point. Reach web editor Nick Morgan at 541-776-4471 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @MTwebeditor.