SPOKANE, Wash. — Hotter temperatures are all across Spokane, and the city says they're trying to adapt to the needs of people with fewer options.
Heat is the deadliest weather-related event in the U.S. In 2021, Spokane County reported 20 people died from heat exhaustion.
One person KREM 2 spoke to on Monday who has lived in Spokane for decades says this heatwave stands out among others.
Stephen Buckhanan is struggling with the weather across Spokane, after living here for nearly 30 years.
"This summer here is the worst I've ever known," Buckhanan said. "I've never known it to get 105 like they say it's going to get."
For nearly two years, Buckhanan has lived at the Trent Resource and Assistance Center, which provides a living space for 500 unhoused people across Spokane.
"If it closes, I don't know what I'll do," Buckhanan said. "I hope it stays open,"
It's staying open as well as other centers in Spokane. Libraries will be open during regular hours on weekdays, and the Central Library will have extended hours on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Buckhanan says for some, the streets are the only other option.
"If they don't get somewhere cool, there's going to probably [be] some people dying," Buckhanan said.
And it's only going to get hotter this week, with triple-digit temperatures going into tomorrow and Wednesday.
It makes it hard for Buckhanan to get around on his bike.
As he looks after himself, Buckhanan hopes other people needing cooling resources in Spokane do the same.
"Hopefully, they'll stay open longer and longer," Buckhanan said. "It's hot out here. It's really hot."
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