Residents of western Washington can expect what is likely the hottest day so far this year on Tuesday: thermometers in the Puget Sound region (the Seattle area) are forecast to climb to 30–32°C, and around Olympia and Chehalis could reach 32°C. According to the National Weather Service, gradual warming will build into Tuesday, then ease — by Wednesday temperatures are expected to be around 21–26°C, Thursday 15–20°C, with a chance of light rain by the weekend. Earlier in May Seattle already broke temperature records, reaching 27°C, part of an overall trend of anomalous warmth that has affected the region for several months.
The sustained heat brings increased fire risk: meteorologists warn to be cautious around dry grass and vegetation. The situation is made more concerning by the climate context: last winter was the third warmest on record for the state, and snowpack, which lagged all season, is now well below normal and melting rapidly. In April, Washington authorities declared a drought emergency for the fourth consecutive time — an unprecedented occurrence for the region.
Based on: Western WA weather: Warmest day so far this year likely on Tuesday