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Print This StoryHeat Wave Bringing Record-High Temps
POSTED: 11:32 am PDT July 22,
2004
UPDATED: 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.
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).
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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.
