... Record or near record high temperatures are expected across much of western Washington through Saturday...
Strong... high pressure aloft combined with low level offshore flow will result in much above normal temperatures across western Washington through Saturday. Highs today will generally be in the upper 70s to upper 80s... with some inland valleys likely climbing into the low 90s. The forecast temperature for Quillayute today was 89 degrees. This would break the old record of 86 degrees set back in 1985.
The hottest day on the Pacific coast will be today... whereas the interior will warm several more degrees on Saturday. Expect highs on the coast to be in the 70s on Saturday while the interior will be mainly in the lower 80s to lower 90s. Some locales however in the east Puget Sound lowlands and Cascade valleys will have temperatures in the mid to upper 90s. The predicted highs for sea-tac today and Saturday were 85 and 88 degrees... respectively. The records for today and Saturday are 84 and 85 degrees... respectively.
Although it will be very tempting to jump into area lakes and rivers to cool off... it would not be a wise idea. Water temperatures were still quite cold or in the 30s and 40s. Also... rivers were running high and swift due to Spring snow melt. Thus jumping into an area lake or river could lead to death by hypothermia or drowning as muscles cramp up from the cold.
During hot spells... drink plenty of water... avoid overexertion... limit time spent in direct sunlight... and check up on elderly relatives or neighbors. Also... protect pets from the dangers of hot weather. Never leave them in a parked car on a hot day.
For those planning on taking advantage of the weather by hiking in the mountains... please be aware that there is an avalanche warning in effect for the Olympics and Cascades through Saturday. For more details... visit the northwest weather and avalanche center web site at www.Nwac.US.
Expect much cooler weather across the area on Sunday due to increased onshore flow.
= Probability of Precipitation
