Ephrata, Washington – Residents across Grant County will bake under extreme heat this week, with temperatures climbing as high as 104° from Tuesday through Thursday.
According to the Grant County Sheriff’s Emergency Management team, the heatwave will span the entire region, bringing daytime highs between 95° and 104°. While it may not be hot enough to fry an egg on the pavement, officials are warning residents to take precautions to avoid heat-related illness.
Cities including Moses Lake, Ephrata, Quincy, and Mattawa are expected to see the most intense heat during peak afternoon hours. Cooling centers may be opened if conditions worsen, and residents are urged to check on elderly neighbors, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and stay hydrated. Pets and children should never be left in vehicles, even for a short time.
The prolonged stretch of triple-digit heat could strain power grids and elevate wildfire risk across Central Washington. This follows a summer of above-average heat for the Columbia Basin region, similar to the 2021 heat dome event.
Excessive heat alerts remain possible through Thursday. Stay tuned to local emergency services and the National Weather Service for updates.
