Next week, Seattle is expecting a spell of anomalously warm weather that could approach record values for late January and early February. Strikingly, the warming will begin on Saturday, Jan. 31, when temperatures are forecast to climb to 58°F (about 14°C). That date is the 76th anniversary of the city’s all-time cold record, when in 1950 the mercury fell to 0°F (-18°C). Residents will therefore face a stark contrast instead of the usual seasonal cold.
After a brief return to more typical temperatures on Sunday and Monday, a persistent ridge of high pressure is expected to build over the region starting Tuesday. That will bring dry, sunny conditions, with temperatures steady around 60°F (about 16°C). Forecasters note that the heat peak is expected on Wednesday, when the high could reach 60°F, just three degrees shy of the daytime record set many years ago.
This warm stretch will be a noticeable departure from the climate norm and may even prompt some residents to joke that it’s warmer in Seattle than in parts of Florida. Meteorologists advise enjoying the unexpected gift from nature and maybe even pulling out summer clothes for a test walk while the winter systems take a break.
Based on: Seattle weather: A near-record warm streak approaches