Weekend Warm-Up Forecast In Western Washington

SEATTLE, WA — The Seattle region is due for another warm-up, beginning this weekend and lasting through at least Tuesday, according to forecasters.

The National Weather Service expects temperatures to begin warming Saturday, with afternoon highs in the 70s, before riding into the 80s on Sunday.

According to the latest forecast, Monday is expected to be the warmest day of the stretch, bringing the highest probability of temperatures above 90 degrees. Forecasters expect the onshore flow to return Wednesday, restoring cooler temperatures that are more in line with recent weather.

The warming trend will bring along a moderate heat risk for sensitive groups, and an increased risk for pets left unattended. Meteorologists said water temperatures remain dangerously cold throughout the region, and the risk of hyperthermia remains.

The prolonged period of hot, dry weather also sets the table for an elevated threat of brush fires through at least Tuesday.

State parks urge visitors to avoid crowds

Officials at Washington State Parks ask visitors to follow established guidelines when planning trips, amid recent reports of crowded parks and full parking lots.

"The safety of our staff and visitors is our top priority," said Don Hoch, director of Washington State Parks. "We need to be able to offer access to the outdoors without putting people at risk."

Officials said nearly a dozen popular parks have reported crowding, and workers are concerned about the impact on public health and natural resources.

In Chelan County, Lake Chelan and Lake Wenatchee state parks will close day-use areas to additional visitors as soon as parking lots are full.

Other parks include:

• Beacon Rock State Park (Skamania County)
• Kanaskat-Palmer State Park (King County)
• Millersylvania State Park (Thurston County)
• Palouse Falls State Park (Franklin County)
• Riverside State Park (Spokane County)
• Twanoh State Park (Mason County)
• Wallace Falls State Park (Snohomish County)

Visitors are encouraged to check each park's status before heading out to one of the state's 124 properties. Those who arrive at a park that is already crowded are asked to go somewhere else.

Find a full list of open state parks in Washington here.