SEATTLE — As western Washington prepares for a scorching weekend, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Heat Advisory and Extreme Heat Warning that took effect on Friday.
This weather alert will remain in effect until 5 a.m. on Tuesday, signaling a significant rise in temperatures across the Puget Sound region.
A strong ridge of high pressure positioned to the south is expected to expand its influence over the area, leading to daytime highs that may reach near record levels.
The advisory encompasses most of the region starting at 11 a.m. on Friday, affecting many areas including the Cascade foothills and valleys, which are under an Extreme Heat Warning for the same timeframe.
Meteorologists have indicated that temperatures from Saturday through Monday could be extremely high, with forecasts predicting highs well into the 80s under mostly sunny skies.
Notably, nighttime lows will only cool down to the 60s, deviating from the usual 50s for this time of year.
Seattle may come close to tying its record temperature for August 22, which currently stands at 89 degrees, set in 2018.
This weekend’s heat increases the risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly for sensitive individuals or those lacking adequate cooling or hydration resources.
The NWS encourages residents to stay hydrated, limit sun exposure, and check in on elderly neighbors and family members.
For those seeking shelter or resources, additional information is available by dialing 211 during business hours or visiting wa211.org anytime.
As the region approaches the peak of fire season, the combination of dry conditions and rising temperatures heightens fire danger.
Much of western Washington is still experiencing a moderate drought, and long-range forecasts do not indicate significant rainfall in the near future.
Currently, three active wildfires are burning in Washington state.
As of Friday morning, the Bear Gulch Fire has consumed over 8,500 acres and is only 11% contained near Lake Cushman in the Olympic National Forest.
Additionally, the Pomas Fire in Chelan County and the Crescent Road Fire near Spokane continue to pose threats in their respective areas.
With the air mass being exceptionally dry, the potential for new fires to ignite is significant.
Those planning to camp outdoors are cautioned against any forms of open burning at this time, given the dangerous conditions.
Air quality is expected to remain in the moderate range from Friday through at least the following Wednesday, as smoke from the wildfires accumulates over the region.
Looking ahead, while many parts of the United States may enjoy cooler weather, the Pacific Northwest is likely to remain in a warmer-than-average weather pattern.
According to the KING 5 Weather Team, the upcoming heat wave is attributed to a high-pressure area drifting westward into the Pacific Northwest.
This weather pattern is expected to disrupt onshore winds, further contributing to increased temperatures as the week wraps up and the weekend commences.
Friday’s forecast indicates that most areas will see temperatures in the 80s, while the hottest locations in the southern Sound could reach the low 90s.
Over the weekend, a thermal low-pressure system is anticipated to develop near the Sound, causing downslope winds on the Cascade’s west slopes, which will intensify the heat across western Washington.
The hottest days are likely to fall on either Saturday or Sunday, with some areas reporting highs in the 80s and low 90s, especially around the Cascade foothills, where temperatures may even soar into the mid-90s.
image source from：king5
