Weather
Heat Peaks Monday, Kicking Off A Warm 1st Week Of Summer In WA
The first full day of summer looks to be the warmest in the stretch, as afternoon temperatures near the 90s for much of Puget Sound.
SEATTLE — The bountiful sunshine that graced the holiday weekend is sticking around for the first week of summer, with Monday likely to be the hottest so far, according to the latest forecasts. Some areas may crack 90 degrees by Monday afternoon — an unusually early feat — and there's a chance for a few records to be broken. Long-term forecasts show another heatwave may materialize next weekend.
According to the National Weather Service, the Seattle metro has a 91% percent probability for hitting at least 85 degrees on Monday, and odds in the South Sound are even higher.
Here are two highs to beat Monday:
- Seattle: 89° (1992), records dating back to 1945
- Olympia: 92° (1973), records dating back to 1948
Here are a few of the warmest overnight lows:
- Seattle: 61° (1992)
- Olympia: 57° (2018)
- Quillayute: 56° (2005), records dating back to 1966
As a result, the National Weather Service has flagged a moderate heat risk for Monday across Puget Sound, especially for groups who are sensitive to heat and those without effective air conditioning or proper hydration. Forecasters said older adults, children, people with health issues and people experiencing homelessness are the most at-risk groups.
The high heat poses significant risks to children and pets inside unattended vehicles, and those looking to cool off in the water should be mindful of the cold water — ranging from 40 to 60 degrees — and take proper safety precautions, officials said.
After Monday, temperatures should gradually cool back into the high 70s Tuesday and Wednesday. However, confidence is building that Puget Sound will see a repeat of the heat just in time for next weekend, when temperatures may again hit the 90s across the interior. Since no rain is on the horizon, forecasters also encourage Washingtonians to be especially mindful of increasing wildfire risks.
Anyone notice that the grass is starting to look a bit brown? With no rain in the forecast this week, things are going to continue to dry out. So just sending out a friendly reminder that it is that time of year when we should be extra careful with potential fire starts. #wawx pic.twitter.com/uy3zM9ELJD
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) June 20, 2021
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