Today could be the warmest day of the year so far. But it won’t last long
Thursday will be the warmest day of year, so far. The thermometer is forecast to reach into the low 70s in Pierce County, the National Weather Services said. Wednesday’s high was 59.
“Definitely the warmest we’ve seen so far,” said NWS meteorologist Maddie Kristell.
It’ll be a good day to remove fallen trees and pick up branches from Monday’s wind and thunderstorm.
Then, it’s back to winter-like weather on Friday.
You’re excused if your head is spinning.
“Springtime can be kind of diverse, in terms of your day to day, just as the patterns are changing,” Kristell said.
Today’s high should peak around 5 p.m.
HEAT ACROSS THE WEST
Monday’s wind and rainstorm might seem a distant memory.
Washington’s pleasant weather is tied to a warm weather wave up and down the west coast, the result of a high pressure ridge, Kristell said.
But when Washington is on simmer, California is on broil. Record-breaking triple-digit temperatures are forecast for Los Angeles Thursday. Cooler northern California will be in the 90s.
It’s adding to already dry conditions that have put the entirety of California into severe or extreme drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
While western Washington remains normal for the season, eastern Washington is experiencing abnormally dry to extreme drought conditions.
Central Oregon is experiencing some of the worst drought conditions in the west.
RAIN, SNOW ON THE WAY
Thursday’s warmth will seem like a dream come Friday.
A new cold front will reach the coast early Friday bringing rain and possibly thunderstorms to Puget Sound lowlands. The high will be in the low 50s. Winds could reach 13 miles per hour.
Expect snow in the mountains.
“They have a pretty decent shot of at least a few more inches through the weekend,” Kristell said.
By Saturday morning, colder air along with gusty winds will settle over the region. Expect highs and lows in the 40s and winds up to 22 miles per hour in the lowlands. Chance of rain will be 70 percent.
Conditions improve Sunday with warmer temperatures and decreased rain and the possibility of sun.
This story was originally published April 7, 2022 at 12:18 PM.
