Excessive Heat Warning Through Friday For Puget Sound: What To Know

SEATTLE — This year's longest stretch of summer heat is on Puget Sound's doorstep, and forecasters expect the Emerald City will break 90 degrees on four consecutive days before temperatures begin to moderate.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning, which takes effect at noon Tuesday and applies to much of the region, stretching from Everett to Bonney Lake. Afternoon temperatures are on track to hit at least 90 degrees in Seattle, with a few degrees higher in places like Puyallup and Issaquah. Lows cooling into only the mid-60s will also limit the level of overnight relief, according to NWS Seattle.

Those factors combined will push heat risks into the moderate to high range in many communities, especially for residents who are heat sensitive or have inadequate cooling and hydration. The extended run of dry, hot weather also elevates fire concerns and increases the likelihood of drownings in area lakes and rivers.

According to UW Medicine, 29 people drowned in King County last year, including 15 in open water. Health officials recommend people wear life jackets at all times, avoid alcohol and other substances on the water, utilize lifeguarded beaches and avoid swimming alone.

Cities across the region also plan to activate more cooling centers by Tuesday, which residents can find online via King and Pierce counties. Washington 2-1-1 also hosts a live map of extreme heat cooling centers available across the state. Residents without air conditioning may also consider visiting local malls, libraries and movie theaters.

NWS Seattle said Tuesday also looks like the best shot for a daily heat record to fall in Seattle, with the forecast showing a chance for the city to reach or surpass the 92-degree record set July 26, 2018. Seattle may fall just a day short of setting a new record for consecutive days above 90 degrees, with temperatures poised to dip back into the low 80s by Saturday.

Here are the latest daily heat probabilities from NWS Seattle:

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday