BOISE, Idaho — A significant, prolonged heat wave is expected to start this weekend. Temperatures are expected to be about 10-20 degrees above normal for at least the next nine days. The hottest temperatures are expected towards the middle of next week, when Treasure Valley highs soar near 110 degrees, which would break records.
Typically, there are two different factors to consider for how much of an impact a heat wave will have: how intense the heat will be and how long it will last.
This heat wave looks to drag out over an extended period of time. Treasure Valley spots may see a string of consecutive days over 100 degrees. The record for the longest stretch of consecutive triple digit days in Boise is nine, this scorching stretch may get close to that.
Since this will be both an intense and prolonged heat wave, growers, producers and ranchers will have a full plate taking care of crops and animals in these taxing conditions.
There's one thing that several of them say will be the key to getting through this exceptionally hot period: water.
Lance Phillips owns Gem Orchards in Emmett. Phillips explained heat of this magnitude has a variety of impacts for different crops.
He said it can cause corn to grow fast, wheat heads to mature but not fill and it can helps to flavor his peaches. But, the heat also has some downsides for farm operations.
Phillips said his cherries ripen so fast that he can't pick them quickly enough. (However, he added in the long run, heat can be good for cherries, and causes a "doubling of cherries for the next season"). Hotter temps also increase how fast he needs to irrigate. In addition, he mentioned some plants for processing the fruit shut down when temperatures exceed 85 degrees. Also, he's noticed his customers don't come out after 2 p.m. when it's hot.
"Generally, as farmers, we are prepared for this. In Idaho, in the summer, anything over 95° is hot and part of the game. We treat it the same. As long as we have water, this is not abnormal, just hot," elaborated Phillips.
Cathy Cabalo from Cabalo's Orchard and Gardens in Kuna echoes Phillips' opinion. When asked how she's prepping for the heat, she responded, "Water, water, and more water".
Jeff Lord raises cattle in the Mayfield area. His family has been on the Lord Ranch property since 1945. He said water and shade will be important. He also plans to time any activity earlier in the day while avoiding any unnecessary movement of the livestock. Lord added heat can stifle production, causing it to be lower or take longer.
Earlier in the season, water managers said that they expect to have enough for a full irrigation season. As of Monday, Boise River flows were around 770 cfs (cubic feet per second) and the Boise System is 92% full, according to the US Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps is one of the government entities that manage local water supply. They said Boise River flows may fluctuate slightly due to changes in irrigation demand.
The bright side to the expected heat wave is that morning temperatures do look to stay on the cooler side, with valley temps in the 60's for much of the forecast period. This will offer a brief reprieve for crops and animals and an opportunity for physical activity for people.
This exceptionally hot period will be a FIRST ALERT WEATHER event. Your team of local meteorologists will continue to track the latest trends and impacts.
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