EVERETT, JUNE 8: High temperature records at Everett’s Paine Field have a good chance to be broken with an approaching high pressure system arriving in Puget Sound to end the week.
After recent cool unsettled weather, a big change to much warmer and drier weather is in store by this weekend. Starting Wednesday, higher pressure is forecast to begin building over the Pacific Northwest with the clouds clearing and temperatures rising.
By this weekend, high temperatures are expected to climb well into the 80s with some locations in or near the Cascade foothills cracking the 90 degree mark – the warmest so far this year. For cooler temperatures, Puget Sound shorelines will offer relief with readings in the upper 60s and 70s.
On Sunday the 14th, the record is 77 set in 1999, and on Monday the 15th, 78 degrees in 2015. Winds coming off the cooler waters of Puget Sound could also keep temperatures in check while further inland, readings will likely be much warmer.
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 health related concerns.
- Seek air conditioned facilities such as shopping malls and theaters. In the 1990s, only about 15 percent of homes had air conditioning. Today, that percentage has risen above 40 percent.
- 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 and again drink plenty of water.
- 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, even with the windows open. Remember – Beat the Heat, Check the Back Seat!
- The most vulnerable to prolonged heat are the elderly, the very young, and those with heart related medical conditions. 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 cooling relief. Just remember to wear a properly fitting life jacket. Area waterways are still cold – only in the 50s to lower 60s. Accidentally falling results in cold water shock – the leading cause of drownings across the state.
HeatRisk Tool
Be sure to monitor the latest weather forecast and information about this hot weather. The National Weather Service has a publicly available heat related resource called HeatRisk. This resource is a color-numeric index that shows a forecast threat of heat related impacts. HeatRisk takes into consideration of how unusual the heat is for the time of year, the days of the expected hot weather including not only daytime temperatures, but also overnight temperatures, and the elevated risk of heat related health impacts.
More 90 Degree Days These Days
In the 20th century, Everett averaged less than 1 day per year reaching 90 degrees or more. So far this decade, that average has risen to 2 days per year. In contrast, the more inland location of Monroe now averages 12 to 14 days of 90 or better per year.
Conditions Are Dry
The rain deficit across the state continues including the North Sound. Over 60 percent of the North Sound is considered abnormally dry according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Much of the state east of the Cascades is now in moderate or severe drought. The upcoming combination of hot weather and dry conditions means the region is becoming riper for wildfires.
Wildfire Conditions and Precautions
The ramp up in temperatures is going to simply amplify the wildfire potential through at least early next week.
Some wildfire precautions:
- If camping, be sure the campfire is cold before leaving the site.
- For many counties and fire districts statewide, check with local authorities to learn the latest details regarding any burn bans.
- If towing, be sure to tighten tow chains to avoid sparks when dragging on roadways.
- Avoid tossing burning materials such as cigarettes out of vehicles. This behavior is how many roadside fires get started.
The weather pattern is anticipated to moderate by the middle of next week as cooler low level onshore flow from the Pacific Ocean develops. Yet, the latest weather outlook through mid-June reflects good chances of warmer and drier conditions than average. So warm dry weather is anticipated to continue until the calendar at least reaches the summer solstice early on June 21st.
