MOSES LAKE — One of the positive things about 2020 so far has been spring and summer weather in the Columbia Basin, lots of sun but temperatures that stayed below the high 90s and 100s. But it’s July, and that’s about to end.

Temperatures started climbing over the weekend are expected to reach 101 degrees Tuesday. Wednesday will also be hot. Andy Brown, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Spokane, said the culprit is that usual suspect, a ridge of high pressure building up over the area.

“The hottest week of the summer so far,” Brown said. “We have not had any hot spells. So we’re due – it’s that time of year.”

The high for July 23 is forecast at 89 degrees. Temperatures are to hover in the low 90s July 24 and 25. The low temperatures for the week are forecast to be in the low to mid-60s.

The current weather pattern is not the kind that allows the high pressure ridges to remain in place for days or weeks at a time, Brown said. It will be hot most of the week, “but there is relief beyond that.”

Hot weather can make people sick. Signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness, nausea, headache and muscle cramps, according to the Washington Department of Health. People who have symptoms of heat exhaustion should move to a cooler location immediately, rest for a few minutes and slowly drink a cool beverage, avoiding drinks with caffeine, alcohol or a lot of sugar. People should seek immediate medical attention if the symptoms persist.

Parents should avoid dressing babies in heavy clothes during hot weather or wrapping them in warm blankets. Senior citizens also are at higher risk for illness in hot weather, and frequent checks are recommended on senior family members and friends.

Pets should have plenty of water. Neither people nor pets should be left in a parked vehicle.

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at [email protected].