Heat advisory in effect for Ketchikan, Hyder, and Annette Island until 7 PM

Ketchikan Gateway Borough, the City of Hyder, and Annette Island are under a heat advisory through 7 PM AKDT this evening. The National Weather Service in Juneau issued the advisory just before 1 PM, warning that interior locations could reach around 80 degrees and that people unaccustomed to the heat face risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

For a region where summer highs typically run in the upper 50s and 60s, 80 degrees is unusual. That gap is what makes the advisory matter: people here haven't had much chance to adjust, and NWS says that population is most at risk.

Not everyone in the advisory area faces the same exposure. Coastal spots and areas near glaciers will stay cooler, with afternoon breezes keeping temperatures down. The heat risk is concentrated inland, away from the moderating influence of the ocean.

NWS advises wearing sunscreen and light, loose-fitting clothing when heading outside. If symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke appear, take action right away.