Draw the shades and crank up the fans—the warmest weather since last September is on its way.
After a week of below normal temperatures—Seattle hasn’t exceeded its average high temperature for the day since June 27—the mercury is on the rise. High temperatures will climb from the mid 70s today to the 80-degree mark Friday, before zooming into the mid 80s later in the weekend.
The warm weather comes to us via a mammoth ridge of high pressure that’s been frying the Midwest the past few days. As we head into the weekend, the ridge will begin creeping further west, eventually parking itself over Montana, Idaho and Utah. While we won’t get nearly as hot as our unlucky neighbors to the east (Boise is forecast to hit triple digits on Sunday), it’ll be warm enough for the fans to get their first good workout of the summer.
Today will be the last seasonable one of the next few, with temperatures topping out close to the average high of 74. 80-degree readings are then expected from Friday through Monday—with our best chance of busting the 85-degree mark coming on Sunday. Should Seattle climb above 85 on Sunday, it’ll mark the hottest weather we’ve seen since Aug. 21 of last year—2011’s warmest day, at 87 degrees. Maxing out at 85 would give us our hottest reading since Sept. 11. Either way, Sunday will be on the toasty side.
Monday will be a near-repeat, with temperatures just a tad cooler. It’ll also feel pretty muggy, as we tap into some monsoonal moisture surging into the area from the desert Southwest. The sticky air could be enough to touch off some thunderstorms in the Cascades and nearby foothills, especially south of Seattle. With a warmer, more humid air mass in place, overnight lows will have a tough time dropping below 60 degrees. (Forget that long-sleeve shirt, not to mention the morning jacket.)
A gradual cool down is possible by Tuesday, with temperatures “only” reaching the upper 70s—still above average for early July. Sounds like the fans will be roaring for a while.
I’m a big fan of mammoth ridges of high pressure. Always have been. Always will. And, I’m crossing my fingers for an 85-degree day. C’mon Seattle!
I mean, what’s not to like about them? Go big or go home, you know! We’ve really got to get to at least 85 degrees, before the rest of the country, sweltering in the low 100s, laughs at us too hard.
Couldn’t agree with you more. Getting to 85 degrees is about self respect as a city. If we hit it, please let us know. Your insightful commentary is always appreciated.
Thunderstorms?
Yep–it was quite the light show last night. The upper level winds were from a more southeast direction, which allowed thunderstorms forming over the Cascades to move west into Puget Sound. (I, for one, didn’t think they’d make it past the foothills.)