Seattle Sets New Heat Wave Record, But Milder Days Are Ahead: Forecast

SEATTLE — Seattle has logged its longest stretch on record with afternoon temperatures hitting 90 degrees, registering a six-day heatwave for the first time since records began in the late 19th century. According to the Seattle Weather Blog, the Emerald City reached its previous record of five consecutive days at or above 90 degrees just three times: in 1941, 1981, and 2015.

The National Weather Service said Seattle’s afternoon highs averaged 93.8 degrees between Tuesday and Saturday, falling just a degree shy of the heat dome of last June, when the average was bolstered by three days landing in the triple digits. Seattle also toppled another daily heat record Sunday, with the National Weather Service reporting 95 degrees at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, besting the old July 31 record set in 2015.

Fortunately, a prolonged excessive heat warning expired Sunday evening, and Western Washington is in for a gradual return of normal temperatures as August gets underway — and even a slight shot at some rain showers.

Monday is forecast to be the first time in a week where afternoon highs stick to the 80s for most, before dipping into the high 70s Tuesday and Wednesday. Mostly sunny skies should stick around through mid-week. The current forecast shows a chance for rain Thursday morning, with mostly cloudy skies, as temperatures fall a few more degrees.

For fans of the summer weather, next weekend looks like it will be another warm one, with abundant sunshine and afternoon temperatures making it back into the low 80s.

Here is the five-day weather outlook for the Seattle area:

  • Monday: 84°/60° (Mostly sunny)
  • Tuesday: 78°/58° (AM clouds, then clear)
  • Wednesday: 78°/60° (Mostly sunny)
  • Thursday: 73°/57° (AM chance of rain, mostly cloudy)
  • Friday: 75°/58° (Mostly sunny)

Source: Bellevue Patch