Moderate heat risk forecast for Tacoma area. How long will it last?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Tacoma is in a widespread moderate heat risk, with temps expected to peak next week.
- The extended forecast calls for sunny and dry weather over several days, the NWS said.
- Elevated fire-weather conditions are an increased concern beginning next week.
A moderate heat risk for Tacoma and the greater Seattle metropolitan area began Saturday and was expected to continue over the next several days during a warming and dry period, according to the National Weather Service.
“A slow warming trend will continue through the beginning of the week, with temperatures peaking Tuesday into Wednesday,” the NWS said in an advisory Friday. “There is uncertainty with how quickly cooler conditions return late next week.”
Slightly cooler temperatures in the area on Monday are expected to bring a brief reprieve from the heat, downgrading the heat risk to “minor” for Tacoma and other areas in the greater Seattle region.
Another warmup and a return to a moderate heat risk is forecast Tuesday through Thursday next week, when temperature highs could reach the 90s in some lowland locations, according to the NWS.
The agency’s seven-day forecast for Tacoma as of Saturday shows sunny or mostly sunny days, with temperature highs ranging from 72 to 82 degrees through Wednesday and overnight lows in the upper 50s and low 60s. Highs could be warmer in the other areas. For instance, an extended forecast for Steilacoom shows temperatures reaching 89 degrees on Wednesday.
There is an increased concern for elevated fire-weather conditions beginning next week during the warm and dry period, according to the NWS, which reminded the public to not leave any person or pet in a hot car and to avoid overexertion and stay hydrated.
A moderate heat risk — third in a five-category NWS index ranging between no risk and extreme risk — suggests that heat will affect most people sensitive to heat, especially those who don’t have effective cooling or adequate hydration, according to the agency. The index takes into account how unusual the heat is for the time of year, the duration of heat during day and night, and if there’s an elevated risk of heat-related impacts based on federal public health data.
