T-C Under Air Quality Alert & Excessive Heat Warning

A double whammy for the region weather-wise with both an excessive heat warning in effect as well as an air quality alert.

The heat warning is in effect for eastern Washington through Saturday with temperatures ranging from 102 to 110 degrees. Portions of central, south-central, and southeastern Washington and north-central and northeastern Oregon are the areas where the warning remains in effect through Saturday 8 pm.

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Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioning, out of the sun, and check on relatives and neighbors for their well-being. Young kids and pets should NEVER be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

If possible plan strenuous activities in the early morning or later evening. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing.

If you suffer heatstroke, call 9-1-1.

Also, the Washington State Department of Ecology has issued a Smoke Air Quality Alert...in effect until 10 am Monday.

Wildfires are burning in the region east of the Tri-Cities in the Umatilla National Forest and to the west in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Air quality in the area is unhealthy due to smoke.

CBC-West test site operations may be impacted due to the unhealthy conditions. You're advised to monitor the Benton-Franklin Health District Facebook page.

Health Impacts and Recommended Actions:

When air quality is Unhealthy for sensitive groups, sensitive people may experience health effects and should limit prolonged or heavy exertion and limit time spent outdoors. When air quality is Unhealthy, everyone should limit their time outdoors, and people with asthma, respiratory infections, diabetes, lung or heart disease should stay indoors.

For more information about air quality, visit the Washington Department of Ecology Web site, or call 360-407- 6000.