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Heat Wave Bringing Record-High Temps

Posted: 11:32 am PDT July 22, 2004Updated: 3:37 pm PDT July 23, 2004

Temperatures climbed into the 90's in Seattle Friday for the first time this year. The Weather Service says temperatures were near record highs in Western Washington Friday and will likely break records Saturday.

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Meteorologist Johnny Burg in Seattle says most records for July 23 in Western Washington were set in 1991: 99 degrees at Sea-Tac Airport, 99 at Olympia and 89 in Bellingham.

Burg says "There's a good shot" of breaking the record temperature Saurday at Sea-Tac. That was 91 degrees, set in 1965. Other record highs for tomorrow's date in Western Washington are 95 in Olympia (set in 1965), 84 in Bellingham (set in 1984), and 87 in Hoquiam (set in 1965).

The dome of high pressure -- coupled with high temperatures -- is taking its toll on air quality.

The first smog watch of the season is in effect through Sunday, June 25.

During this stagnant period, pollution levels are expected to rise dramatically.

Experts recommend reducing driving by combining trips, carpooling, using public transportation and deferring errands. They also urge people to refuel their cars in the cooler evening hours and avoid using gas-powered mowers.

Forecasters say temperatures in Eastern Washington will be in the upper 90's and into the 100's this weekend, but not record-breaking.

In Spokane, meteorologist Todd Lericos says records are unlikely to fall even as temperatures rise through the 90's into the 100's.

The record high for today in Spokane is 102 (set in 1959). For tomorrow the record high is 104 (set in 1928).

Copyright 2004 by KIROTV.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Rebecca Stevenson
Rebecca Stevenson is Chief Meteorologist for KIRO 7 Eyewitness News. Stevenson holds the Seal of Approval from the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and the National Weather Association.
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Weather to Expect:

Numerous showers and a risk of thunderstorms in western Washington tonight as a trough of low pressure moves through.
Showers will continue overnight into Saturday morning, temperatures will be chilly in the morning in the low to mid 30s. The showers will be locally heavy within a convergence zone which poses the risk of wet snow mixing with rain within the zone. The snow level is near 1,500 feet so that it would not be difficult for a heavy shower to bring wet snow as low as 1,000 feet. That would bring the potential to locations like Cougar mountain, Issaquah Alps and Tiger mountain through early Saturday morning. Accumulation is not expected but it would make for slippery roads in the higher elevations.
A new frontal system, storm #5, will bring increasing rain and breezy winds Saturday afternoon and evening. The storm will not be as powerful as the last 4 but will make itself known with more rain on top of already saturated soils. Highs will be cool in the 40s.
Sunday will begin with scattered showers which will decrease through the afternoon. More sunbreaks are expected and highs will be in the mid 40s.

Be prepared for winter driving in the passes. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the Cascades through 6am as snow showers will bring an additional 6-10" of snow overnight....especially in the convergence zone between Stevens and Snoqualmie Pass. ~Rebecca

3 - Day Forecast
Sat
Rain
45
Sun
Showers
47
Mon
Wind and Rain
48
Seattle Metropolitan Area
Weather to Expect:

Numerous showers and a risk of thunderstorms in western Washington tonight as a trough of low pressure moves through.
Showers will continue overnight into Saturday morning, temperatures will be chilly in the morning in the low to mid 30s. The showers will be locally heavy within a convergence zone which poses the risk of wet snow mixing with rain within the zone. The snow level is near 1,500 feet so that it would not be difficult for a heavy shower to bring wet snow as low as 1,000 feet. That would bring the potential to locations like Cougar mountain, Issaquah Alps and Tiger mountain through early Saturday morning. Accumulation is not expected but it would make for slippery roads in the higher elevations.
A new frontal system, storm #5, will bring increasing rain and breezy winds Saturday afternoon and evening. The storm will not be as powerful as the last 4 but will make itself known with more rain on top of already saturated soils. Highs will be cool in the 40s.
Sunday will begin with scattered showers which will decrease through the afternoon. More sunbreaks are expected and highs will be in the mid 40s.

Be prepared for winter driving in the passes. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the Cascades through 6am as snow showers will bring an additional 6-10" of snow overnight....especially in the convergence zone between Stevens and Snoqualmie Pass. ~Rebecca