Seattle residents are experiencing a welcome shift in weather patterns after a prolonged period of summer heat. Following highs in the low 80s, cooler temperatures and increased cloud cover are moving into the region, offering a much-needed respite. The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts a "slow cooling trend" beginning Thursday night, with temperatures expected to remain approximately five degrees below average through Tuesday.
Seafair Week: Mixed Bag of Weather
Despite the overall cooling trend, Seafair week will see a mix of conditions. While the hydros, air show participants (including the Blue Angels), and fleet week vessels along the Seattle waterfront can expect warm weather with highs in the 80s, the forecast also includes the possibility of thunderstorms developing over the Cascades late Wednesday and again on Thursday. Lingering showers from these storms could even slip west of the mountains, potentially affecting the Puget Sound region.
Wildfire Threat Intensifies Eastward
While Seattle enjoys cooler temperatures, the eastern Cascades face a heightened wildfire risk. The NWS has issued a red flag warning for Thursday, citing the potential for thunderstorms, strong winds (gusts up to 50 mph), and hot temperatures (reaching 90 degrees) to ignite new fires. This is particularly concerning for crews battling the Bear Gulch Fire near Lake Cushman in the Olympic National Forest. The fire, believed to be human-caused, has already consumed over 3,000 acres and is only 3% contained.
A Level 3 evacuation order is in effect for residents and campers along the Dry Creek Trail, including those at the Staircase Campground and north of Lake Cushman, requiring immediate evacuation. A Level 1 advisory remains in place for areas south of Dry Creek, urging residents to prepare for potential evacuation.
Seattle Weather History
Interestingly, July 29th holds a unique place in Seattle's weather history. On this day in 2009, Sea-Tac recorded its first temperature exceeding 100 degrees, reaching a new all-time high of 103. In contrast, July 29th is also one of the driest dates in Seattle's history, with measurable rain falling on this date only a handful of times since the 1890s.
Stay tuned to newsrpt.com for the latest weather updates and information on wildfire safety.