Keeping Cool In Record Heat

SPOKANE — As some area pools close for the summer, the timing couldn’t be worse as triple digit temperatures creep into the Inland Northwest.

But the Southside Aquatics Center at Freya and 72nd is still open, allowing kids and their parents to beat the heat.

The center was packed with kids as Spokane saw it’s hottest day on record so far this year. The official temperature for Spokane on Sunday was 103 degrees, smashing the previous record set back in 1967.

Sunday’s high temperature mark was historical as there have only been seven 100 degree days on record since 1990.

The Spokane River was packed as well as many took to inner tubes and other floatation devices to escape the heat. The river proved as a huge draw as many area resorts that have water parks were completely booked.

For Michael Doughty the River was the perfect option on such a hot August day.

“We come here trying to get wet and cool off a bit,” he said. “Then we go home and deal with the heat for the rest of the day.”

Others simply didn’t want to be stuck at home on such a nice summer day.

“Stay inside, that’s kind of boring,” said Shalai Mikes. “We’re hanging out and having fun at the river.”

Terrace Park Pool in the Spokane Valley was crowded as well. With the heat still sticking around for another day, the National Weather Service had some helpful reminders for staying cool. They were advising people to check on the elderly and anyone else who could be more susceptible to extreme temperatures. They also advised people to use their air conditioning instead of trying to ride out the heat.

Dry conditions and high temperatures have firefighters concerned as well. A Red Flag Warning goes into effect Monday morning and remains until Tuesday morning. Officials are worried that strong winds combined with the possibility of lightning in the forecast could spark wildfires.