Get out your ice cream cones and swimsuits.
Temperatures will reach 93 degrees Thursday, said Tom Renwick, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Grand Junction. The weekend should bring a reprieve, though, with temperatures dropping into the 80s.
The heat wave is abnormal. Normally, temperatures should be about 85 degrees at this time, Renwick said.
A high-pressure system and hot air blowing in from the Southwest are causing higher-than-average temperatures.
Hot weather can impact some everyday tasks.
The combination of hot temperatures and high altitude can make it difficult for planes to take off, said Tony Vicari, director of aviation at the Durango-La Plata County Airport.
Planes sometimes have to reduce their weight by limiting the amount of passengers or baggage. That’s possible during the hottest times of the day this week. However, airlines are usually proactive in following the forecast and not overbooking during these times, Vicari said.
San Juan Basin Health Department advises people to follow tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to stay safe in the heat.
The best way to protect against effects of high temperatures is to avoid heat entirely and stay in a cool building as much as possible. People can also limit outdoor activities and schedule them for cooler times of day.
The CDC especially cautions people to never leave children in cars.
Staying hydrated is also important. Drink a lot of water, and avoid sugary and alcoholic drinks, which can cause dehydration, the agency advises
Signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion include a fast pulse, dizziness and nausea.
It’s not just humans who should be careful during hot weather.
Pet owners should make sure their pets have a lot of water to stay hydrated, said Chris Nelson, director of Animal Services at La Plata County Humane Society.
People should also avoid walking dogs during the heat of the day and instead do it in the morning or evening, Nelson said.
Nelson urges pet owners to remember that surfaces such as pavement and truck beds can get hot and damage pets’ paws.
On Thursday, the National Weather Service has a red-flag warning in place for high fire danger from noon until 8 p.m.
Not all hope for rain is lost. Next weekend could be the next best shot at precipitation, Renwick said, but it’s still too early to make promises.
