NWS raises Prince of Wales heat advisory forecast to 82 degrees

The National Weather Service in Juneau raised its forecast high for Prince of Wales Island to 82 degrees Friday, two degrees above the morning forecast, under a heat advisory that runs until 7 p.m. AKDT.

The 12:20 p.m. update was the third notice on the same advisory in under 24 hours. The first went out at 9:05 p.m. Thursday, calling for temperatures up to 80. A second came at 4:46 a.m. Friday with the same number.

Inland locations away from the water were expected to be the warmest, according to the advisory. NWS Juneau said "Individuals not accustomed to these unusually hot

temperatures for this region may experience heat related illnesses."

The island holds roughly 5,700 permanent residents across about a dozen communities, including Craig, Klawock, Thorne Bay, Hydaburg, Coffman Cove and Kasaan. Summer temperatures here average about 56 degrees, with a usual range of 45 to 80. Friday's forecast sat just above that range.

Forecasters advised drinking plenty of fluids, closing curtains during the day, opening windows at night and using fans or community buildings with air conditioning. The first two notices also urged residents to check on elderly and vulnerable relatives and neighbors. The 12:20 p.m. update dropped that line.

The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development's heat stress guidance sets its thresholds by the body, not the region. It recommends 5 to 7 ounces of fluid every 15 to 20 minutes and no continued work once deep body temperature passes 100.4 degrees.

Saturday is forecast mostly clear with highs of 70 to 76. Rain is likely Tuesday night.