Get ready for the work week to close on a hot note. An excessive heat warning is in effect for much of Western Washington until 11 p.m. Friday, with temperatures expected to soar into the mid to upper 90s around Western Washington.
"Friday will likely be the hottest day this week in Seattle, possibly near the record high," said KING 5 Meteorologist Jim Guy. "I believe we could hit 96 at Sea-Tac airport. Temperatures will again be mostly in the 90s, though it's possible some inland locations could reach 100."
A Red Flag Warning for the central and southern Puget Sound area expired Thursday morning.
The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency also warns smog pollution in King and Pierce counties could reach unhealthy levels this week as temperatures rise. Check current air quality
Click here to read the full forecast
Redmond and Issaquah are expected to reach 96 degrees, Seattle 94, and Bellevue and Renton 95. Bremerton will reach 94 degrees and Poulsbo 92.
Central to south Puget Sound will also reach the mid to upper 90s: Olympia and Shelton 97, Tacoma 94, Federal way 94, Puyallup 96 and Gig Harbor 93.
Vancouver-Portland is expected to reach triple digits at 100 degrees.
"The exception will be shorelines and from Everett north, where highs will be mostly in the 80's," added Guy. "Slightly cooler conditions are possible through the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Whidbey and the San Juan Islands; highs in this area will be mostly in the mid 70's to near 80."
The weekend will provide some relief as temperatures drop down in the 80s and 70s.
"For Saturday, I think we'll still push in the lower 80s with a chance of a shower late in the day," said Renner. "Sunday there will be a chance of thundershowers with temps dropping back in the 70s."
Staying cool and safe
As temperatures soar, it's important to take steps to stay cool and healthy to avoid heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses. Here are tips from the Washington state Department of Health on how to stay healthy in extreme heat.
Some cities have also planned cooling centers where people can go to beat the heat.
Children and the elderly can be more susceptible to heat. Here are some tips from Safekids.org on the warning signs and how to keep kids safe in the heat and from the Centers for Disease Control for how to care for the elderly.
Click here for tips to keep pets safe in the heat, and remember to never leave your pet in a parked car on a hot day. On an 85 degree day the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes. Pets can quickly suffer heat stroke or organ failure and die. You could also be charged with animal cruelty.
