Warning Description: Special Weather Statement

Warning Date: 5:27 am PDT on May 16, 2008

WarningSum:...Record Or Near Record High Temperatures Are Expected Across Much
Of Western Washington Through Saturday...

Warning Message:Strong...high pressure aloft combined with low level offshore flow
will result in much above normal temperatures across western
Washington through Saturday. Highs today will generally be in the
upper 70s to upper 80s...with some inland valleys likely climbing
into the low 90s. The forecast temperature for Quillayute today
was 89 degrees. This would break the old record of 86 degrees set
back in 1985.
The hottest day on the Pacific coast will be today...whereas the
interior will warm several more degrees on Saturday. Expect highs
on the coast to be in the 70s on Saturday while the interior will
be mainly in the lower 80s to lower 90s. Some locales however in
the east Puget Sound lowlands and Cascade valleys will have
temperatures in the mid to upper 90s. The predicted highs for
sea-tac today and Saturday were 85 and 88 degrees...respectively.
The records for today and Saturday are 84 and 85 degrees...
respectively.
Although it will be very tempting to jump into area lakes and
rivers to cool off...it would not be a wise idea. Water
temperatures were still quite cold or in the 30s and 40s. Also...
rivers were running high and swift due to Spring snow melt. Thus
jumping into an area lake or river could lead to death by
hypothermia or drowning as muscles cramp up from the cold.
During hot spells...drink plenty of water...avoid overexertion...
limit time spent in direct sunlight...and check up on elderly
relatives or neighbors. Also...protect pets from the dangers of
hot weather. Never leave them in a parked car on a hot day.
For those planning on taking advantage of the weather by hiking
in the mountains...please be aware that there is an avalanche
warning in effect for the Olympics and Cascades through Saturday.
For more details...visit the northwest weather and avalanche
center web site at www.Nwac.US.
Expect much cooler weather across the area on Sunday due to
increased onshore flow.