Record-breaking temps forecast through Thursday in Tacoma-Seattle area
Although winds have settled down in Western Washington, possible record-breaking heat is forecast through Thursday.
Temperatures at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and areas of Pierce County are expected to be in the high 80s.
“This is one of the reasons critical fire weather concerns continue even with lighter winds,” the National Weather Service said.
This is the second warmest first eight days of September in the last 76 years since record-keeping started, with an average temperature of 70.
September 2017 holds the record, with an average temperature of 72.8 degrees.
A Red Flag Warning remains in effect through Thursday morning due to hot, dry conditions.
All outdoor burning, including campfires, has been banned.
Patchy smoke and haze continues to linger in Western Washington, with ash even falling in some areas.
Air quality remains unhealthy, according to the Washington State Department of Ecology.
“With variable winds and new fires cropping up, we may continue to see UNHEALTHY levels through the day Wednesday,” according to Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, which said air quality levels for the rest of the week are uncertain.
Temperatures should cool somewhat on Friday and Saturday - into the low 70s in Tacoma - but are still forecast to be above average.
This story was originally published September 9, 2020 at 8:13 AM.
