SEATTLE — A Heat Advisory is in effect for most of western Washington as the region experiences its first stretch of hot weather this year.
The advisory issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) will remain in effect through 11 p.m. Monday for everywhere except along the Washington coast.
Highs will reach the upper 80s to mid 90s for the central and south Puget Sound, while areas of the north Puget Sound are expected to reach the mid to upper 80s. Afternoon highs Monday are only expected to be in the 70s for areas along the coast.
It should be noted this heat wave will not come close to the extremes of last year's heatwave, but precautions should be taken to stay cool during the heat.
While Monday will remain hot for most areas, an abrupt cool-off is expected to come Tuesday, with highs returning to the low 70s.
RELATED: Western Washington Forecast
Temperatures reached 90 degrees at Sea-Tac International Airport on Sunday, making it the first June on record where the same date reached 90 degrees two years in a row. On June 26, 2021, the temperature reached 102 degrees.
A high of 87 was recorded at Sea-Tac Saturday, making it the first time the Seattle area hit temperatures over 80 degrees this year. There have only been seven other years Seattle had its first 80 degree day later than June 25.
The last time Seattle reached 80 degrees was on September 9, 2021.
While the sunshine and warmer temperatures may be a welcome change after a colder than average spring, the sustained warm temperatures will pose a moderate risk of heat-related illness.
The catalyst for this increase in heat is an upper area of high pressure, or a ridge, building over the Pacific and Inland Northwest along with offshore winds that will enhance the hot temperatures that develop.
Residents who are heat-sensitive should try to avoid being outdoors in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and find cool places indoors that have air conditioning, such as libraries, shopping malls or movie theatres.
Make sure you're staying hydrated, avoid excessive activities in the peak heat of the day and don’t forget to wear sunscreen.
Never leave pets or children inside of vehicles and make sure you have a life jacket on at all times if you plan on cooling down in western Washington’s waterways. The water temperatures are still cold this time of the year and local rivers are flowing fast due to the wet, snowy spring.
A weather system will push cool mariner air into Puget Sound Tuesday, bringing much cooler highs and the possibility of a few showers in the afternoon and into Wednesday morning.
Expect a gradual warm-up later in the week, peaking around 80 degrees on Saturday. On Sunday, another weak weather system brushes by cooling temps and producing a few showers.
Right now, the Fourth of July holiday looks partly sunny with highs around 70 - but it's a week away, so stay tuned!
As the temperatures begin to rise this summer, understanding your body's warning signs can help protect you against potentially life-threatening illnesses.
Signs of heat exhaustion:
- Faint or dizzy
- Excessive sweating
- Cool, pale or clammy skin
- Rapid, weak pulse
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea or vomiting
Treating possible heat exhaustion:
- Get to a cool, air-conditioned place
- Drink water
- Take a cool shower or use a cold compress
Signs of heatstroke:
- Throbbing headache
- No sweating
- Red, hot, dry skin
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Possible loss of consciousness
- Nausea or vomiting
If you or a family member is suffering from heatstroke, immediate attention is necessary, so call 911.
