Unusually Warm Days Continue, With More Heat Ahead: WA Forecast

SEATTLE — An abnormal streak of April heat continues in Western Washington this weekend, with bountiful sunshine on tap for much of the foreseeable future. After a beautiful Friday, with afternoon temperatures in the mid-to-high 70s across the region, Saturday is forecast to get even hotter.

The National Weather Service expects a peak in the heat by Saturday afternoon, with temperatures landing a few degrees higher and potentially within record territory for April 17. Seattle and Tacoma may get a taste of the 80s, with no clouds in sight, accompanied by a calm breeze by the afternoon.

Sunday looks to be just a tad cooler — but equally as pleasant. Over the next week, temperatures are expected to nudge lower each day, while remaining comfortably above seasonal normals. Under the current forecast, the first small chance for rain in the forecast won't arrive until next Thursday night at the earliest.

The clear weather is well-timed for stargazers, as the Lyrid meteor shower runs through the end of the month. Gov. Jay Inslee and state health leaders are also encouraging people to take advantage of the longer, sunnier days and "take it outside," helping reduce COVID-19 transmission risks by socializing outdoors.

The lengthy absence of rain also brings increased fire dangers, especially in areas away from the mountains where the snowpack is still healthy. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources enacted some burn restrictions on state lands Friday.