Thunderstorms forecast to cool off hot temps across Washington
Aug 11, 2014, 6:52 AM | Updated: 5:57 pm
Sea-Tac Airport reached 96 on Monday, which broke the old record of 95 set in 1977. (AP Photo)
(AP Photo)
Thunderstorms are on their way after a scorching Monday.
According to the National Weather Service, Sea-Tac Airport reached 96 on Monday, which broke the old record of 95 set in 1977. KING 5 meteorologist Jim Guy says it was the hottest day of the year.
As cooler air moves in, forecasters expect “scattered to abundant lightning” late Monday and early Tuesday across the Puget Sound area.
Thunderstorms are expected to develop along the crest of the Cascades first, then spread to the remainder of Western Washington.
A red flag warning for fire danger is in effect until Tuesday at 11 p.m., and covers most of Oregon and Western Washington, including the Cascade mountain range. The Washington coast is excluded.
The NWS says a red flag warning means that critical fire conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. Those conditions are strong winds, relatively low humidity, and warm temperatures.
Highs east of the Cascades could break 100.
Crews continue to battle multiple wildfires in Eastern Washington. A dozen were actively burning in Central and Eastern Washington as of Saturday, but firefighters were starting to get control of about half of them.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
