SEATTLE -- Temperatures climbed into the mid-90s Thursday, breaking a record high temperature for the date as forecasters said the heat wave is beginning to ease.

The temperature at Sea-Tac Airport hit 96 by late afternoon, breaking the previous record for July 30 of 94 degrees that was set in 1965.

Following the all-time record high temperature of 103 in Seattle Wednesday, the King County Medical Examiner's Office reported Thursday the first death associated with the recent heat wave.

The victim, a Seattle man in his 60s, had heart disease with heat as a contributing factor to his cause of death, the ME said. Full Story

Forecasters said some marine air may start to cool off the region Friday, but above-normal temperatures are expected into early next week.

Meanwhile, the upcoming Seafair weekend could be the hottest in the history of the 60-year festival, as fewer fans than usual came to the Stan Sayres Pits to watch the Blue Angels practices.

Those who did appear wore hats, stayed in the shade or brought several coolers full of water.

There were also fewer crowds at Pier 30 for Seafair Fleet Week.

On the coast, reporter Richard Thompson says it's much cooler. See video.

See iSpot videos of how people and pets are coping with the heat.