Did Seattle’s heat wave tie the 1981 record on Friday?

Update: The Seattle region hit a high of 86 degrees Friday.

How hot has this July been? Check out the numbers at Sea-Tac Airport! July record for number of days with highs of 85°+ likely will be tied today #wawx pic.twitter.com/P1veJHSzHu

— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) July 27, 2018

Original article

As the days pass, it becomes easier and easier to complain about the Seattle heat wave, especially now that we’re breaking local records. Not that knowing this makes it any cooler.

“If we hit 90 it’s our fifth straight day, which ties a record since 2015 and 1981,” said KIRO7 meteorologist Nick Allard. “Tomorrow will also be 90.”

But that’s not the only record we’re breaking. Friday also ties the most days of 85 degrees or higher in the month of July, which will likely be shattered with at least four more days of consecutive temperatures. Sunday is expected to be the hottest of them all with highs in the low to mid 90s, otherwise known as a real scorcher.

RELATED: Washington wildfire season off to a particularly bad start

We’re not the only ones complaining about a record-breaking summer. An AP report found that 227 different U.S. records were broken in individual U.S. cities across the nation on certain days, and another 157 were tied, federal statistics show.

Seattle heat wave

If classifying Seattle’s experience as a heat wave causes some to roll their eyes, it’s worth remembering that what’s considered a heat wave depends on where you live.

“A heat wave is all relative to specific areas around the nation,” explained NWS meteorologist Ted Buehner. “For our neck of the woods, when we get into the 90s – heat wave would be appropriate for many people.”

Precautions should be taken, but relief is coming

Whatever you call it, residents are advised take every precaution by hydrating and limiting their time in the sun.

Senior Hydrologist Brent Bower with the National Weather Service advises to protect those who may be more vulnerable, including “checking on children or pets or elderly or anyone who might be more at risk with heat, and certainly cars are going to be blistering, so you can’t leave anyone in there.”

“It’s not just been hot, it’s also been very dry,” Bower noted. Wildfire season is well underway, and since many of them have been caused by people, officials have urged residents to monitor and fully extinguish campfires, and be careful with anything that can spark a fire.

Relief, however, is on the way. Monday will be slightly cooler, and by Tuesday, highs will be back in the upper 70s to lower 80s with a mix of clouds and sun.

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