Video: Heat wave triggers concerns for local rivers

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SEATTLE - After a cool and cloudy spring in Western Washington, we're seeing a dramatic shift to sunny and warm weather, with some areas breaking records for high temperatures.

After morning fog today, high temperatures across much of the area will be in the 70s and lower 80s, and Friday will be a scorcher, with temperatures from the coast to the Puget Sound region rising into the mid- and upper 80s. In some locations temperatures will climb into the 90s.

"The warmest spots will be the foothills and the southwest interior," said KING 5 Meteorologist, Chris Warren.

Warren said hot spots today will be even hotter tomorrow.

"Tomorrow is the day we could break records," he said.

If Sea-Tac airport reaches 90 degrees, it would be the earliest 90-degree day on record. The earliest occurrence of 90-degree weather occurred on May 20 1963, when the high reached 92 degrees.

Temperatures will cool a bit by Saturday, but the Weather Service says the humidity will rise a bit, making the air feel muggy.

"If it pans out it could feel just as warm as Friday, even though the temperature is a few degrees cooler," said Warren.

By early next week, temperatures should ease into the 60s and 70s when cloudy skies return.

In Eastern Washington, forecasters expect 80s and 90s through Sunday. Monday will be partly cloudy with highs still in the 80s.

The Naches River is expected to be above flood stage by tomorrow and may top out at about 3.5 above flood stage.

The Stehekin will also be above flood stage.

Flooding is expected along stretches of the St. Joe and Coeur d'Alene rivers in North Idaho and even low-lying areas along the Spokane River could be covered by water.

Measurements taken Wednesday morning show more than five feet of snow still covering the top of Mount Spokane. All that snow melted down is equivalent to 27 inches of water, which will flow into creeks, streams and rivers.

Portland, SW Washington

The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement warning that it will get really hot really fast in Southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon starting today and lasting through much of the weekend.

"After a very prolonged period of abnormally cool Spring weather, the hottest weather of the year will burst into Southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon Thursday, then continue over the region into the weekend," the statement said. "This will be the hottest weather since last September."

Temperatures in central Oregon could reach a sizzling 100 degrees both Saturday and Sunday before they cool slightly to the mid-80s on Monday and drop back down to the 70s on Tuesday.

Rivers and lakes are dangerously cold

Lisa Parsons

Green River Gorge near Black Diamond

King County Public Health officials say people should think twice before jumping into lakes and rivers, which are extremely cold this time of year because of winter runoff. Rivers will be running high and swift.

The Health Dept. says in 2007, there were 24 unintentional drowning deaths in King County. Fifteen of those occurred in rivers, lakes, or Puget Sound. Six of them took place during the months of May and June, when waters are still very cold from winter runoff.

Eastside Fire and Rescue is worried they'll see more people getting into trouble by jumping into the ice cold swift water.

"You get muscle tired, so you're not as strong as you were when you first went into the water," said Greg Tryon, spokesperson. "Then the cold starts affecting your brain, so you don't realize you're in trouble."

"Even the best swimmers with lifejackets are at risk for serious trouble in the cold water," said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health - Seattle & King County.

Washington's ocean beaches are inviting, but the surf can be dangerous. Two people have already died this year on the Washington coast in rip tides.

Ocean Shores Deputy Police Chief Russ Fitts says a simple safety rule for waders to follow is, "Ankles OK, knees no way."

Avalanche warning issued

The Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center says the hot weather is expected to cause avalanches in the Olympics, Cascades and at Mount Hood. An avalanche warning has been issued for Thursday through Saturday.

The Avalanche Center says large avalanches may travel very fast and run long distances, possibly to lower elevations where little or no snow cover remains.

The Transportation Department closed the North Cascades Highway through the weekend because of avalanche danger from melting snow in high temperatures.

The department says one slide already hit the highway at Liberty Bell Mountain.

The section of Highway 20 had reopened on May 1 after being closed by winter snow since Dec. 4.

Slow down when temperature goes up

The National Weather Service is advising people to refresh their memories on these basic hot weather tips:

- When the weather warms up, be sure to slow down

- Drink plenty of water

- Wear lightweight and light colored clothing

- Protect yourself from sunburn by wearing sunscreen and a hat

The elderly and the very young are the most likely groups to experience adverse health effects from the heat.

Keep your pets cool

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Dogs may enjoy a good romp in the sprinkler.

The Seattle Animal Shelter is reminding people to use common sense when it comes to protecting their pets in hot weather.

 Every year, we receive hundreds of calls about pets locked in cars on hot days," says Shelter Director Don Jordan. "Many pet owners are unaware that cars left in direct sunlight turn into lethal ovens, reaching fatal temperatures of 130 degrees or more within just a few minutes. Even dogs left in cars in the shade with the windows cracked on hot days, are at risk of brain damage or death."

Jordan advises pet owners to avoid trips where you have to leave the pet in the car.

"It's not worth the risk," he said.

Pet owners can be held criminally liable for committing cruelty to animals if a pet dies, or is found suffering from heat prostration. If you see an animal that may need help, contact the Seattle Animal Shelter at (206) 386-PETS (7387).