Temperatures in Seattle's record-breaking heat wave to peak Monday

Temperatures in Western Washington’s record-breaking heat wave will peak today with potential highs ranging from 100 to 117 degrees throughout the area, according to the National Weather Service in Seattle (NWS).

“Dangerously hot conditions are expected again today as temperatures peak and climb back into the triple digits,” the NWS said in its Monday forecast discussion. “Anomalously strong ridging combined with east winds in the lower levels will continue to work in tandem to provide historically hot temperatures over [Western Washington] before marine air begins to bring some relief to the area.”

Temperatures in the Seattle area will hover around 107 degrees through most of the day but could reach as high as 115 degrees. To the north, temperatures will remain near the 100-degree mark with potential highs of 107 degrees in Everett and Bellingham. To the south, the average temperature will be 109 degrees in the Olympia area with a potential high of 117 degrees.

Such temperatures can result in an increase of heat-related illness, power outages and cases of drownings or cold-water shock as residents seek respite from the heat, the weather service says.

Monday marks the climax of a record-breaking heat wave in this part of the state.

On Sunday, Seattle set records for its all-time hottest temperature (104 degrees), its all-time maximum daily average (89 degrees) and its all-time low (73 degrees), according to the NWS. All three records were previously set in 2009.   

At least six other areas — Olympia, Shelton, Bellingham, Hoquiam, Stampede Pass and Port Angeles — recorded their all-time hottest temperatures on Sunday, the NWS said.

Temperatures are expected to cool Tuesday but will remain higher than normal through the rest of the week.

The City of Seattle has partnered with other community organizations to open 36 cooling centers in the area, according to a Sunday news release from the city. A list of locations can be found on the city’s website.

The city closed the Rainier Beach Community Center Pool yesterday citing dangerous pool-deck temperatures. It will remain closed until Tuesday, the news release said.

Sound Transit also announced that Link light rail trains will potentially operate at reduced speeds for the next several days due to excessive heat on the tracks, resulting in potential delays. Normal operating speeds will resume when the weather cools.