NORTH SOUND, JULY 14: Temperatures are forecasted to ramp up by the middle of the week as pressure builds over the Pacific Northwest.
By Wednesday, July 16, North Sound temperatures may be the hottest of the year thus far, cracking the 90-degree mark for the second time this year. For the usual warmer places like the Cascade foothills, high temperatures could rise into the mid-90s.
Surface thermal low pressure nosing north from the interior valleys of California will reach Western Washington by the middle of this week and help drive up the hot temperatures. Everett – Paine Field’s record high on Wednesday is 85 degrees. Arlington’s record high is 91, established in 2018, while Monroe’s may be challenging to reach at 97 set in 1941.
Heat of the night
The expected hot daytime temperatures will be accompanied by warm overnight readings, typical for July. Urban areas will likely struggle to have nighttime temperatures reach the 60s, while more rural areas will feel some relief, dropping into the 50s.
Cooler conditions during this period of hot weather can be found along the North Sound’s beaches, ranging from the 70s to mid-80s.
Steps to take during hot weather
If unable to travel to cooler locations, here are some steps to take to be cooler and avoid any heat-related health concerns.
- Seek air-conditioned facilities such as shopping malls and theaters. In the 1990s, only about 15% of homes had air conditioning. Today, that percentage has risen above 40%. Snohomish County has a list of cooling centers available to the public.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoid alcoholic beverages.
- During the heat of the day, avoid strenuous activities like running or jogging, and if working outdoors, take breaks.
- Avoid leaving children and pets in cars even if for just a few minutes. Temperatures inside a vehicle can soar to well above 100 degrees in less than 10 minutes. So far this year, 13 children have died by being left in hot cars, even with the windows open. Remember – Beat the Heat, Check the Back Seat!
- The elderly, the very young, and those with heart-related medical conditions are most vulnerable to the stress prolonged heat presents. Check on these family members, friends or neighbors to help ensure they are doing okay.
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothing to help reflect the heat.
- Area waterways also offer relief. Just remember to wear a properly fitting life jacket. Waters are still cold and falling in results in cold water shock – the leading cause of drownings. There have already been 16 recreational boating fatalities in the state thus far this year.
HeatRisk Tool
Be sure to monitor the latest weather forecast. The National Weather Service has a publicly available heat-related resource, HeatRisk. This resource is a color-numeric index that shows a forecast threat of heat-related impacts.
HeatRisk takes into consideration how unusual the heat is for the time of year, the days of the expected hot weather including not only daytime temperatures, but also temperatures overnight, and the elevated risk of heat-related health impacts.
Cooler by the weekend
A change in the hot weather pattern is expected to begin on Thursday, July 17, as the thermal surface low pressure is forecast to shift east of the Cascades. This weather pattern change will permit an onshore flow of cooler air to spread into North Sound and all of Western Washington – nature’s air conditioning. By the weekend, high temperatures are expected to range from the 70s to the lower 80s, much more comfortable conditions.
