Warm, Sunny Days Ahead Following Hot Memorial Day

SEATTLE — After a nearly record-breaking heat on Memorial Day, forecasters say to expect a cooler, but still warm and pleasant start to the work week.

Sea-Tac airport recorded a high of 80.1° Monday. Had it reached just one degree higher, it would've been just the third Memorial Day in 50 years to push past 80 degrees.

Though some may be disappointed the holiday didn't set a new record, there is a silver lining: the next few days are still set to be warm, sunny and perfectly enjoyable. The National Weather Service predicts the warm weather will stick around at least through Wednesday, with cooler temperatures moving in Wednesday night and early Thursday morning.

Unfortunately, forecasters say Thursday through Monday will be a big change from the warm start to the week, with colder than average temperature and high chances for showers and rain.

We may lose the warm weather as the week progresses, but it'll come back eventually. A new outlook from the Climate Prediction Center shows the Pacific Northwest will have a drier, warmer than usual summer ahead.

The impeding cold weather just means we'll just have to make the best of the good weather Tuesday and Wednesday— but if you do choose to get out and enjoy nature, make sure you do it safely. Sunday, Seattle police had to pull a 31-year-old man out of Puget Sound after he fell from his Kayak near Alki Beach. The kayaker had to be rushed to the hospital and treated for exposure. Officers say the incident is an important reminder: it may be hot out right now, but the Sound is still frigid, and can cause hypothermia in just 15 minutes.

Related: As Weather Heats Up, Coast Guard Stresses Water Safety