x
Breaking News
More () »

‘Moderate’ heat risk for parts of western Washington Tuesday

Western Washington will get its first taste of summer this week with high temperatures possible in the mid-80s on Tuesday.
Credit: KING

Tuesday is expected to be the hottest day of the week. But as the temperatures increase, so does the risk of heat-related illnesses.

The National Weather Service (NWS) said afternoon highs on Tuesday afternoon are expected to climb into the low to mid-80s across the south Puget Sound area and towards the Washington-Oregon border.

The agency said there will be a “moderate risk” for heat-related illnesses for people who are sensitive to heat or for those without a way to cool off.

The Environmental Protection Agency said the UV index for Tuesday will be very high – a 9 on a 0-11 scale – around noon in western Washington. A UV index of 8 to 10 means there is a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Extra precautions like wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and using a minimum of SPF-15 sunscreen can help protect against sun exposure.

RELATED: Child hot car deaths decreasing to record lows amid COVID-19 outbreak

“Heat like this happens occasionally,” the NWS said in a tweet. “It will be relatively easy to take simple precautions to keep safe.”

Limiting time outdoors, staying hydrated, and dressing for the warmer weather are a few ways the NWS said people can help protect themselves as temperatures increase.

Checking on the elderly, making sure pets have plenty of water, and taking frequent breaks while working outside are other precautions the Washington State Department of Health said people can take to help reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Mountain View Fire and Rescue tweeted a reminder not to leave pets in vehicles as warmer weather could be deadly for animals. “… temperatures may seem mild outside, but climb quickly in a car. In just 70 degree Fahrenheit, interior car temps can reach 115+ degrees!” the department tweeted.

A weak front is expected to move through on Wednesday giving us some cloud cover, and maybe a couple of stray showers. Not everybody will see wet weather, and whatever does fall should be light. Highs will be in the mid-70s.

We rebound nicely for Thursday and Friday with morning clouds and afternoon sun. It looks like cooler temperatures in the low to mid-70s will return by the upcoming weekend, and a few showers are possible Saturday with a better chance on Sunday.

ALSO SEE: January 2020 was the world's hottest January in recorded history

Before You Leave, Check This Out