Heat wave hits Flathead

Thursday's 97-degree temperature wasn't a record high, but the Flathead may set a record today, with temperatures expected to reach at least 100 degrees.

Triple-digit weather is far from normal in the Flathead. Kalispell's all-time record high is 104 degrees, according to meteorologist Corby Dickerson with the National Weather Service in Missoula. The warmest it has been on this date was 95 degrees in 1975.

Typically, the Flathead temperature is in the high 70s at this time of year, Dickerson said. The current heat wave is "pretty exceptional."

It's not quite on par with the 117-degree heat desert states are experiencing, he said, "but for us, it's our 117."

On Saturday, the extreme strong ridge of high pressure causing the heat wave will begin to break down. Kalispell can expect a high of 91 Saturday and temperatures in the upper 80s Sunday and Monday.

With high temperatures, low relative humidity and strong winds, the Flathead has potential for high fire danger, Dickerson said. Those factors led to a red-flag warning over most of western Montana on Thursday afternoon and evening.

"These are hazardous fire weather conditions under these combined characteristics," he said. "Since we live in the heart of fire land during the summer, we're trying to give our fire managers and forestry people a heads up as to what kind of weather they can anticipate in the next couple of days."

Because of the high fire danger, those still hoarding Fourth of July fireworks should hold off on lighting them during the extreme heat, Dickerson said.

"It would be in the best interest of those in western Montana to not light fireworks," he said. "It can very easily start a fire."

Fire isn't the heat wave's only hazard, however. More people die due to heat-related causes than from cold-weather ones. Because this kind of heat is unusual in Northwest Montana, residents should be particularly aware of the symptoms of heat illnesses, Dickerson said.

"Up here, I think it can kind of catch people off guard, because it doesn't happen that often up here," he said.

Heat illness occurs when the body's cooling mechanism shuts down because it can't compensate for high temperatures. It can affect anyone, but the very young or old and people with medical conditions are especially at risk, said Steve Helgerson, state medical officer at the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. He urges residents to watch out for their elderly neighbors as well as themselves while the heat wave continues.

Heat stroke is the most serious problem stemming from extreme high temperatures, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Body temperature rises rapidly, the body loses its ability to sweat and it is unable to cool down. Without emergency treatment, it can lead to death, brain damage or permanent disability.

Symptoms include a body temperature higher than 103 degrees; red, hot and dry skin (no sweating); rapid, strong pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness and nausea. People experiencing these symptoms, or who have fainted after heat exposure, should seek medical attention immediately.

Heat exhaustion is milder, and generally develops after several days of exposure to extreme temperatures with inadequate hydration.

Symptoms include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, headache, fainting, cool and moist skin, fast and weak pulse and fast and shallow breathing.

People experiencing these symptoms should find shade in a well-ventilated area and drink water slowly.

Heat illnesses are easily avoidable, if people use common sense and make a few minor adjustments, Helgerson said.

Tips for beating the heat include:

. If possible, stay in an air-conditioned area. If you don't have air conditioning, pull the shades over windows and use cross-ventilation and fans to keep homes cool. Limit the use of stoves and ovens to prevent further raising the temperature in your home.

. Electric fans might make a room more comfortable when the temperature is in the 90s or higher, but they won't prevent heat-related illness. Take a cool shower or bath and move to an air-conditioned place instead.

. Increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. Avoid alcoholic or sugary beverages, which dehydrate the body. Avoid very cold drinks, which can cause stomach cramps.

. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

. Limit or avoid strenuous outdoor activity. Those who can't avoid working outside should take more breaks, drink more fluids and try to get more work done during the cooler early morning hours.

. Never leave a person or pet in a close, parked vehicle, even for a few minutes.

For more information, visit the CDC Web site at www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat.

Reporter Kristi Albertson may be reached at 758-4438 or by e-mail at kalbertson@dailyinterlake.com