Puget Sound region gets early-week breather from heat and smoke
Aug 16, 2021, 6:57 AM | Updated: 11:01 am
Sunrise near the National Weather Service's Seattle area offices. (NWS, Twitter)
(NWS, Twitter)
After last week’s heat and smoke, the Puget Sound region will be getting some relief from both to start this week.
Seattle-area dry streak ends at 51 days
The weekend saw temperatures move into the 90s in most parts of Western Washington, with smoke that had air quality hovering in the “unhealthy” range for many areas. But thanks to an onshore flow and an approaching frontal system, things will cool down considerably beginning Monday.
That will also likely bring showers by Monday afternoon to parts of Snohomish and northern King counties, with temperatures expected to sit in the mid 70s for the greater Puget Sound region.
Even cooler conditions will move in Tuesday, with highs dipping into the low 70s in the inland region, and into the 60s along the Washington coast.
Chance of light rain late this afternoon through early Tuesday morning. With only 6.75" since March 1st Seattle on track to have the 2nd driest March thru August on record. Cool today and Tuesday with highs in the lower to mid 70s. Dry and a little warmer Wed thru Saturday.#wawx pic.twitter.com/Hx8aTRUEcD
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) August 16, 2021
In terms of air quality, “expect a smoke-free Western WA for a few days at least,” the state-run Washington Smoke Blog predicts.
The region is expected to heat up again by Wednesday, albeit in a “fairly moderated” capacity thanks to “a mix of clouds and sun,” the National Weather Service describes in its latest forecast.
That will see afternoon highs sit between the upper 70s and low 80s between Wednesday and Friday, with a chance of elevated wildfire smoke moving in from British Columbia. Winds from the east could move smoke over the Cascades as well, although at this point it’s too early to be certain.
