Another heatwave is on its way toward the greater Seattle area, with temperatures in the mid-90s likely throughout the week and a heat advisory in effect.
Forecasted highs in the high 70s and low 80s over the weekend will creep into the upper 80s by July 25 across much of the region and into the mid-90s by Tuesday, July 26, according to the National Weather Service.
It’ll get hotter from there, with temperatures climbing into the high-90s by Thursday and Friday (July 28-29) in some areas.
The weather is part of a broader heat weave gearing up to sear much of the country, especially the Midwest, mid-South and East Coast, according to the Weather Service.
The region usually only gets around five days each year that exceed 90 degrees, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Mike McFarland said, and now “we are finally starting to accumulate a few,” he said.
For most of the Puget Sound region, the highs will probably linger in the 90 to 95 degree range this week, then begin cooling down around Saturday (July 30), he said, as cool marine air comes in to freshen things up. Areas closer to the coast will be cooler than areas further inland.
“If you went through last year’s truly miserable hot weather, when we had three days above 100, then you know what to do,” McFarland said. “Get your fan ready and stay in the shade.”
Staying safe
• Drink lots of water, especially if you drink coffee or other diuretics, and avoid alcohol and sugary drinks.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Stay inside when it’s the hottest in the afternoon, and limit your physical exertion.
• Check in on you elderly, ill or homeless neighbors and relatives, who are especially susceptible to the heat.
• Cool baths and showers can help get your body temperature down.
• Know how to identify heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Shade your windows when the sun is shining on them.
• Consider keeping electronics, like your desktop computer, in a separate room. They’ll generate a lot of heat, but if you can close the door and keep them isolated, you’ll prevent much of that heat from escaping into the rest of the house.
• Open your windows once it gets cooler at night.
• Close your windows when temperatures get hot and let your fans take over.
• Remember heat rises, so the lowest level of your home will generally be the coolest.
• Slather on that sunscreen and wear a hat when you venture outside.
• Don’t leave children or pets unattended in a parked car.
• Rivers and other swift-moving bodies of water run fast and cold, and it’s extremely easy to lose your strength and become swept away even if the air temperature is high. Bring lifejackets, know your own capabilities in the water and choose a safe location to swim.
If you’re looking for a place to stay cool in King County, click here.
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