Heat advisory for Copper Valley and McCarthy runs through Sunday night, highs to 83

Temperatures of 78 to 83 degrees are forecast for the Copper River Valley through Sunday under a heat advisory the National Weather Service in Anchorage issued Friday morning. The advisory runs from 2 p.m. Friday to 9 p.m. AKDT Sunday for the Central Copper Valley, Southern Copper Valley and McCarthy.

That is one day longer than the advisories the same office issued Friday for the Anchorage Bowl, the Mat-Su valleys and the interior Kenai Peninsula. Those expire at 9 p.m. Saturday, with highs of 72 to 82.

The warmest readings are expected along the Edgerton Highway and McCarthy Road. Overnight lows will fall into the lower to mid-40s, which forecasters said will allow a brief respite from the very warm temperatures.

What Residents Should Do

Forecasters said people not accustomed to these temperatures may experience heat-related illnesses. The advisory directs residents to drink fluids, check on elderly and vulnerable relatives and neighbors, close curtains during the day and open windows at night.

It also urges people to take extra precautions when working in the sun and to wear sunscreen and lightweight, loose-fitting clothing. Strenuous activities should be limited to early morning or evening. Residents should act when they see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Forecasters suggest using fans or community buildings with air conditioning. Children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles, which can reach extreme temperatures in as little as 10 minutes.

National Weather Service heat safety guidance says: "Slow down. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day."

Advisories in Alaska have come often this summer. NWS Fairbanks issued one in early July for the Western and Central Arctic Plains, with temperatures up to 85.