Meteorological Summer Arrives: What To Expect In Washington

SEATTLE — The warmest Memorial Day in more than a quarter-century arrived in Puget Sound on the last day of meteorological spring, setting the table for what is expected to be a warmer and drier summer ahead. Though the summer solstice does not arrive until June 20, meteorologists divide the seasons into four equal parts, based on annual temperature cycles. Meteorological summer, typically the warmest stretch of the year, is measured from the beginning of June to the end of August.

As for meteorological spring, NWS Seattle found most regions of Western Washington logged one of the top five driest March through May periods on record.

Memorial Day itself was unusually warm, landing just shy of 81 degrees at Sea-Tac Airport and becoming the warmest since 1995. Forecasters expected the first two days of June to be even hotter. For the summer ahead, federal climatologists predict good odds for above-average temperatures and below-normal precipitation. The expectations for this month are similar.

The abnormal lack of spring rainfall, leading into an abnormally hot and dry spring, have state officials planning for significant wildfire dangers through the summer. Last month, the state Department of Ecology also issued its first drought advisories, covering virtually every area outside Puget Sound, as an early warning for potential water supply issues.

In the short term, forecasters expect the abundant sunshine to continue Wednesday as afternoon temperatures climb toward the mid-80s. Tuesday was already Seattle's hottest day since last September. However, a break in the heat is on the horizon, with temperatures falling back into the 70s Thursday and Friday, ahead of the triumphant return of rain forecast Saturday and Sunday.

With the recent stretch of summer-like weather, local officials are also sharing a few seasonal reminders for pet owners, as temperatures inside parked vehicles can quickly become unsafe.