Temps running higher than normal

By GWEN ALBERS Western News Reporter

Mel Burnett has less tolerance for the heat as he ages.

So when the recent days' temperatures hit as high as 100 degrees in Libby, Burnett got an early start to his days while building his family's new three-bedroom home in Northwood. He also quit early.

"When it gets really hot, I go home and have a beer, where it's cool," Burnett said.

The early July heat wave has temperatures more than 10 degrees above normal, said Michelle Mead, lead forecaster with the National Weather Service in Missoula.

It hit 92 degrees on July 1, 98 degrees on July 2, 99 degrees on July 3, and 100 degrees on the Fourth of July. The average day in early July hits 86.8 degrees.

"Compared to the rest of the state, western Montana has been the hottest," Mead said.

Although temperatures will drop into the mid and high 80s for this weekend, it's supposed to get back into the 90s next week, she said.

Mead blames a very warm high pressure system "sitting over us."

The heat isn't the norm.

"The first part of July is normally a transition period," Mead said. "What we're seeing now usually happens in late July. I would say it will climb back into the 90s."

The hot weather has kept things jumping at Libby's Dairy Queen.

"We've been pretty busy," said server Diane Place. "When it gets into the 90s, we get busier. People just want ice cream. Sometimes, it's hard to keep up."

Floyd Coats, the 67-year-old delivery guy for Treasure Mountain Ice in Troy, has been quite busy.

"When you're loading ice from the freezer, it's cool, but when you deliver, it's hot," Coats said.

On normal days, the company delivers 150 bags of ice. Over the weekend, that spiked to 2,000 bags. Coats on Sunday worked from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. delivering to Libby, Troy, Yaak, the Happy's Inn area and Lake Koocanusa.

"The truck has air conditioning, but when you work in the heat, it's just like anyone else," Coats said. "It's not a cool job."

Scott Erickson, manager for Rosauers in Libby, appreciated the effort by Treasure Mountain Ice.

"We sold lots of ice, but were able to remain stocked," Erickson said. "The people from Troy that supply us work really hard."

Harvey Zucher attempts to get an early start as he continues to sand and scrape a home at 504 Montana Ave. in preparation for painting.

"You sweat and you drink water," said Zucher.

"You try to work in the shade as much as possible," added Monty Burbridge, who owns the home.