Jul. 3—A heat wave is on the horizon for the holiday weekend.
Greg Koch, of the National Weather Service in Spokane, said temperatures are expected to climb on the Fourth of July. Highs will be in the lower 90s in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley, and the lower 80s for Pullman, Colfax and Moscow.
Then it's going to get hotter than normal.
"We really start to turn up the heat on the weekend," Koch said.
The forecast calls for temperatures exceeding 100 degrees in the valley on Saturday and Sunday, and the low-to-mid 90s for the Camas Prairie and the Palouse.
Indications are these well-above-average temperatures will persist into next week with a potential moderation in temperatures around the 13th or 14th of July, Koch said.
In other words, if you still have outside chores to do, now is the time to finish them.
Moderate temperatures are expected today, but from then on, the dial will be cranked. Today's outside thermometer is expected to range from the mid-to-upper 80s in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley and near 80 for the Palouse.
"We're looking at well-above averages for the next 10 to 14 days after the Fourth," Koch said.
The normal temperature in Lewiston at this time of year is lower, with high temperatures averaging in the upper 80s to low 90s. On the Palouse, the average is around the low 80s.
"This is going to be our first significant heat wave of the summer," Koch said. "Now would be a good time to test your air conditioner and prepare for several days of hot weather. When you are exposed to hot weather, take frequent breaks, be mindful of staying hydrated, and if you start to feel not quite yourself, it's time to take a break."
When the mercury rises, dry grass can be a hazard, and the fire potential is escalated, he said. Once a fire gets going, it will be more difficult to extinguish in the heat wave.
With the Fourth of July fast approaching, fire officials are asking folks to follow the rules and use an abundance of caution when lighting fireworks.
State rules say firecrackers, bottle rockets and missiles are illegal, along with homemade devices. In addition, most jurisdictions in the region have specific regulations about the use of fireworks.
In unincorporated areas of Asotin County, consumer fireworks can be used from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 3, 11 a.m. to midnight on July 4, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 5. Asotin has similar rules, but within the city of Clarkston, approved fireworks are only allowed from 9 a.m. to midnight on July 4.
In the states of Idaho and Washington, "safe and sane" fireworks are allowed, including cone fountains, sparklers and whistles, but aerial fireworks are not permitted. Breaking the rules can result in hefty fines and being held liable for damages, officials said.
The city of Lewiston prohibits aerial fireworks, but legal consumer items are being sold at stands.
Several communities in the region have large fireworks displays, such as the Community Spirit show at Adams Field in Clarkston. The elaborate display can be viewed from many areas in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley. Fire officials are hoping people watch the community displays and skip lighting fireworks on their own.
The meteorologist in Spokane also has words of caution about the fire danger.
"Be careful with the fireworks because the landscape will become increasingly dry over the weekend," Koch said. "Any fire that gets started this weekend could be around for a while."
If you're traveling this week, gas prices are in the $3.50 range per gallon in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley and across the nation. According to the GasBuddy website, Costco's price is the lowest in the valley at $3.48 in Clarkston. Conoco in Lewiston is at $3.49.
The national average price is $3.49, which is the lowest holiday price since 2021.
"For those hitting the road to celebrate Independence Day, gas prices have seen modest fluctuations, but most states are seeing prices near or even well below where they were a year ago," said Patrick De Hann, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.
However, a busy hurricane season could affect prices at the pump, according to De Haan. "While the first half of the summer has been relatively smooth sailing, the road ahead may be bumpy."
A survey indicates 45% of Americans plan to be on the road this weekend. To save money on gas, drivers should shop around for the best prices, especially when crossing state lines, said GasBuddy officials.
Sandaine can be reached at kerris@lmtribune.com. You can follow her on X @newsfromkerri.
