Summary:
Western Washington is expected to experience hazardous heat conditions starting from Thursday and continuing until at least June 14, with temperatures rising substantially and the potential for extreme heat developing by early next week. The Greater Seattle metropolitan area, including Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, Tacoma, and Bremerton, is expected to experience several consecutive days of elevated heat risk. Isolated thunderstorms are expected on Tuesday, and fire weather concerns may increase across parts of Western Washington due to warmer and drier conditions.
Western Washington could experience its most significant heat of the year beginning later this week and continuing into next week, according to the National Weather Service in Seattle.
Forecasters say confidence is increasing that much of the region will see substantially warmer temperatures, with the potential for hazardous heat conditions developing by early next week. The latest weather briefing also warns of isolated thunderstorms Tuesday and elevated fire weather concerns as conditions become hotter and drier.
“The likelihood of more impactful heat has increased,” the National Weather Service said in its latest briefing, noting a moderate risk of extreme heat during the start of next week.
The agency’s outlook shows a growing heat risk across much of Western Washington beginning Thursday and continuing through at least June 14. The Greater Seattle metropolitan area, including Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, Tacoma and Bremerton, is expected to experience several consecutive days of elevated heat risk.
Before temperatures climb, forecasters are watching a low-pressure system expected to move across the region Tuesday, bringing a chance of thunderstorms throughout Western Washington. According to the National Weather Service, thunderstorms could produce lightning, gusty winds, small hail and brief periods of heavy rain that may affect outdoor activities and recreation.
The longer-range forecast is increasingly concerning to meteorologists.
The Climate Prediction Center has identified portions of Western Washington as being at risk for hazardous temperatures between June 15 and June 21. Seattle and communities south of the city are now included in a moderate-risk area, indicating a 40% to 60% chance of hazardous heat conditions.
The National Weather Service also notes that above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation are favored across the region during the next six to 10 days.
As temperatures rise, forecasters say fire weather concerns may increase across parts of Western Washington due to warmer and drier conditions.
The National Weather Service is expected to provide updated forecasts as confidence in the timing and intensity of the heat event improves.
