After Sweltering Heat Monday, Expect More Manageable Week

SEATTLE, WA — The week started off with a kick, as Monday brought nearly record-breaking heats to the Puget Sound.

According to the National Weather Service, Monday's hot hot heat broke records into the 80s and 90s for much of Western Washington. At Sea-Tac, the high of 89 tied 1992 for the warmest June 21 on record, also marking the hottest day of the year so far.

Fortunately, Puget Sound will have a slightly more manageable work week ahead — at least until the weekend. The National Weather Service says a strong marine push on Tuesday will cool highs back into the 70s, likely a welcome break after the muggy start to the week.

This more moderate heat will be joined by some low clouds near the coast and potentially patchy fog in the Cascade foothills, but otherwise skies should remain clear and temperatures pleasant and manageable through Thursday.

Unfortunately for heat-haters or those without AC, come Friday and the heat will be back with a vengeance. Forecasters predict a period of hot, sunny weather starting Friday and lasting through the weekend and Monday. The worst (or best, if you're looking to get a tan or cook an egg on the sidewalk) of it will come Saturday, which the National Weather Service says will be a "cinch" for hottest day of the year as highs soar into the 90s, possibly even into the triple digits in the Cascade valleys.

While it's sure to be a good weekend to get out on the water to cool off, many first responders are already sounding the alarms to remind everyone: despite the heat, the waters of the sound are still dangerously cold. Water temperatures are still between 40 and 60 degrees, and can take unprepared swimmers by surprise if they jump right in.

While there are a number of ways to protect yourself and others from the cold water, the best is the most obvious: always wear a life jacket while swimming in the sound.