On July 29, 2009, the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) recorded its first time exceeding 100 degrees — with a new all-time high temperature of 103. The previous record prior to that was 100 degrees set on July 20, 1994. The heat dome of late June 2021, though, completely erased that record with a new all-time high of 108 degrees.

July 29 also happens to be one of the driest dates in Seattle’s history. Referencing weather records dating back into the 1890s, measurable rain fell on this date only six times at the old Federal Building weather station and just five times at Sea-Tac, most recently last year. Measurable rain is defined as one one-hundredth of an inch or more.

This month is again a dry one. At Sea-Tac, only one hundredth of an inch has fallen, leaving a rain deficit of over 6 and a half inches so far this year. Usually quite wet, Forks on the north coast is an amazing 20 inches behind for the year.

Seafair week forecast

This is Seafair week. The Blue Angels and other air show participants arrive early this week, make practice runs Thursday and Friday, and perform during the weekend. The hydros also arrive early this week from the Tri-Cities and make their preparations during the week before racing over the weekend.

Warm weather with high temperatures in the 80s will greet the hydros, air show participants, and fleet week vessels along the Seattle waterfront. Late Wednesday and again Thursday, a few thunderstorms are expected to develop over the Cascades. On Thursday, lingering showers from those thunderstorms could slip west of the mountains across parts of the western interior, including the Puget Sound region.

Cooler temperatures are expected to accompany this weather pattern change, with highs climbing only into the 70s Thursday and into the weekend. Low-level onshore flow from the Pacific Ocean will also generate morning marine clouds each day that should give way to afternoon sunshine. The morning clouds may also alter air show performance levels – high vs. low shows – late this week and possibly into the weekend.

Dry conditions, lightning, could lead to wildfires

The Cascade Mountain thunderstorms, combined with the ongoing very dry conditions, could spark new wildfires thanks to lightning strikes. So far this summer, wildfire smoke has avoided much of western Washington.

However, the region has suffered wildfire smoke and poor air quality six out of the last eight summers, going back to 2017 when smoke spread south from British Columbia fires. Any local fire starts could change that.

Fortunately, the flow of marine air from the Pacific should keep air quality in good shape through Seafair weekend. The Seattle Mariners also return home from their current road trip to take on the surging Texas Rangers in a 4-game series starting Thursday through the weekend.

Weather conditions for Seafair, the Mariners’ home series, and any other outdoor events in the region should feel comfortable. Given the dry conditions, though, everyone needs to be very careful with any burning materials.

Ted Buehner is the ����Xվ Newsradio meteorologist. Follow him on �����Ի���. Read more of his stories here.

The new parade route is set to start at Pier 70 on Alaskan Way and move south to Yesler Way, finishing near 10:30 p.m.

Officially named the Alaska Airlines Seafair Torchlight Parade, the parade is scheduled to have many of the favorites, including marching bands, colorful floats, performances, and more, including, of course, the Seafair Pirates.

Prior to the parade will be the Torchlight Run that will proceed along the parade route starting at 6 p.m.

Earlier in the day, the Bite of Seattle will be at the Seattle Center, featuring over 300 food and retail vendors, wine and beer gardens, musical performers, and more.

Weather for Seafair Torchlight Parade

The weather forecast for all these downtown Seattle festivities on Saturday can simply be put as comfortable. Some morning marine clouds are expected to give way to sunshine and mild temperatures. Highs along with the waterfront will be in the lower 70s with a light evening northwest wind coming off Elliott Bay.

Temperatures during the parade time period of 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. will ease down into the 60s. So a light jacket or sweater may be handy, along with sunglasses and a hat, until the sun sets over the Olympics just prior to 9 p.m.

Seafair Torchlight Parade kicks off Seafair week

The Seafair Torchlight Parade helps kick off all the remaining Seafair activities the following week. Seafair Fleet Week begins on July 29 along Seattle’s waterfront, which will include tours of U.S. Navy and Coast Guard vessels. The Navy’s Blue Angels also arrive early in the week, landing at Boeing Field.

Seattle’s Summer Festival – Seafair – finishes with the Lake Washington hydroplane races and airshows on Friday, August 1, through Sunday, August 3. For all the details about Seafair and ticket information, visit .

Ted Buehner is the ����Xվ Newsradio meteorologist. Follow him on �����Ի���. Read more of his stories here.

By Wednesday, interior western Washington temperatures may reach the hottest of the year thus far, cracking the 90-degree mark for the second time this year. For the usual warmer places, such as the Cascade foothills and the South Sound region, high temperatures could rise into the mid-90s. Further south toward Portland, the mercury may approach 100 degrees.

Surface thermal low pressure nosing north from the interior valleys of California will reach western Washington Wednesday and help drive the hot temperatures.

Temperatures are not expected to be record-breaking, though. For both the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) and Olympia, the record high temperature on Wednesday is 98 degrees, set in 1979.

Western WA weather: Warm days and nights

July is the warmest month of the year. The expected hot daytime temperatures will also be accompanied by warm overnight readings. Urban areas will likely struggle to have nighttime temperatures cool only into the 60s, while more rural areas will feel some relief, dropping into the 50s.

Cooler conditions during this period of hot weather can be found along the north interior coastline regions and the outer coast, with temperatures forecasted to reach the mid-70s to mid-80s.

Steps to take during hot weather

If unable to travel to cooler locations, here are some steps to stay cool and avoid any heat-related health concerns.

• Seek air-conditioned facilities such as shopping malls and theaters. In the 1990s, only about 15% of homes had air conditioning. Today, that percentage has risen above 40%.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoid alcoholic beverages.
• During the heat of the day, avoid strenuous activities like running or jogging, and if working outdoors, take breaks and again, drink plenty of water.
• Avoid leaving children and pets in cars, even if for just a few minutes. Temperatures inside a vehicle can soar to well above 100 degrees in less than 10 minutes. So far this year, 13 children have died by being left in hot cars, even with the windows open. Remember – beat the heat, check the back seat!
• The elderly, the very young, and those with heart-related medical conditions are most vulnerable to the stress prolonged heat presents. Check on these family members, friends, or neighbors to help ensure they are doing OK.
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing to help reflect the heat.
• Area waterways also offer cooling relief. Just remember to wear a properly fitting life jacket. Waters are still cold and falling in results in cold water shock – the leading cause of drownings. There have already been 16 recreational boating fatalities in the state thus far this year.

HeatRisk tool

Be sure to monitor the latest weather forecast and information about this hot weather.

The National Weather Service has a publicly available heat-related resource called . This resource is a color-numeric index that shows a forecast threat of heat-related impacts.

HeatRisk takes into consideration how unusual the heat is for the time of year, the days of the expected hot weather, including not only daytime temperatures, but also temperatures overnight, and the elevated risk of heat-related health impacts.

More 90-degree days these days

In the 20th century, Seattle averaged only three days per year reaching 90 degrees or more. So far this century, that average has risen to five days per year, and in just the last 10 years, the number of days hitting 90 degrees or better is now eight days per year.

Conditions are so dry

The rain deficit across the state continues to grow. Sea-Tac is now over 6 inches of rain behind average for the year thus far, while Olympia is more than 9 inches below average. Usually, wet Forks, on the north coast, is a whopping 20 inches plus below normal for rainfall this year.

Much of the state is now in moderate or severe drought according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The combination of hot weather and dry conditions means the region is ripe for wildfires.

Wildfire conditions and precautions

There are across the state as of Monday morning, including the Toonerville and Bear Gulch Fires in Mason County. The ramp-up in temperatures is going to simply amplify the wildfire potential through at least mid-week.

Some wildfire precautions:

• If camping, be sure the campfire is cold before leaving the site.
• National Parks in the state have campfire bans.
• Many counties and fire districts statewide have outdoor fire bans in place. Check with local authorities to learn the latest details.
• If towing, be sure to tighten tow chains to avoid sparks when dragging on roadways.
• Avoid tossing burning materials such as cigarettes out of vehicles. This behavior is how many roadside fires get started.

A change in the hot weather pattern is expected to begin on Thursday. The thermal surface low pressure is forecast to shift east of the Cascades, permitting onshore flow of cooler air to spread into western Washington – nature’s air conditioning.

This weather pattern change should knock high temperatures back down into the 70s to mid-80s in the interior, and the 60s along the outer coast. Yet, there is no rain in sight to offer any relief from the ongoing dry conditions.

This story was originally published on July 11, 2025. It has been updated and republished since then.

Ted Buehner is the ����Xվ Newsradio meteorologist. Follow him on �����Ի���. Read more of his stories here.

This tragic early morning event on the Fourth of July involved up to 15 inches of rain falling in a matter of just hours in a region that is one of the most prone flash flood areas in the country. Dozens have lost their lives, with many more still missing.

The National Weather Service (NWS) did its job. A flash flood watch was issued early Thursday afternoon along with a briefing to local emergency authorities. By 6:30 p.m., an updated statement highlighted “intense rain rates” that would “quickly overwhelm” the ground’s ability to absorb the water, and noted the potential for a historic rainfall event.

As the weather system began dumping rainfall in the upper reaches of the river basin, a flash flood warning was issued at 1:14 a.m. Friday morning highlighting a “life-threatening flash flooding event,” three hours before the surge of water reached warned areas downstream. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) was activated and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) were sent to cell phones.

A river gauge on the Guadalupe River rose more than 20 feet in one hour, cresting at the second-highest point on record. The rapidly rising water swept through homes, campgrounds, and roadways during the early morning hours.

What went wrong?

A thorough review of this dreadful event will unfold in the coming weeks and months. Yet, what lessons can be learned now, and how can those lessons be applied here in Western Washington?

On a basic level, a warning system is like a three-legged stool. The first leg is detection and warning of the event. The second leg is the dissemination of the warning message to the target geographic area. The final leg of the three-legged stool is response — take action upon receipt of the warning.

In this case, the flash flooding was warned and properly disseminated. The key missing element was the receipt of the flash flood warning during sleeping hours so action could be taken to move people to higher ground — the response.

Such a rapid rise in river flooding has occurred here. That flooding disaster happened in early December 2007 along the Chehalis River. Heavy rainfall of up to 15 inches fell in the upper reaches of the river in the Willapa Hills during an overnight period. The river rose 22 feet in just 12 hours near Pe Ell, exceeding a 500-year flood, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Flood warnings were issued and EAS was activated (Wireless Emergency Alerts did not exist then). Eight fatalities occurred and hundreds of livestock lost their lives. Homes, businesses, farmland, and roads, including I-5, were flooded. Again, this was a rapidly developing flood event that unfolded during sleeping hours.

The disastrous flash flooding on the Guadalupe River was not the first time such a major flood happened there. A similar heavy rainfall and flash flood occurred in 1987 with similar results. Lessons were learned, but not all were applied.

How can Western WA learn from this?

In Western Washington, a key lesson from the tragic Texas event to be applied here is receiving warning messages so action can be taken to stay out of harm’s way. In this region, the warnings can involve far more than just flooding. Other examples include rapidly spreading wind-driven wildfires, strong wind storms, hazardous material releases, manhunts, and more.

The August 2023 Maui wildfires and, more recently, the January Los Angeles wildfires highlighted the need to use more than one means to receive warning messages. During the Maui wildfires, the cell phone system failed when the fire took power out of service, leaving the use of cell phones to receive the warning messages dead in the water.

There are a number of all-hazard warning message methods to receive warnings. EAS reaches all broadcasters, including radio, TV, cable TV, and NOAA Weather Radio. An advantage of NOAA Weather Radio is that it also operates on batteries during power outages.

Wireless Emergency Alerts on cell phones are another key warning receipt resource. The key with WEA is that your cell phone needs to be set to receive those warning messages.

Your local emergency management authorities also have opt-in systems to share warning messages via phones and text messages. Contact your local county or city emergency management authorities to learn how to sign up for this critical resource.

In the case of tsunamis, well more than 100 outdoor siren systems are along the outer coast, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and in the North Sound to help alert those along shorelines of any tsunami warnings. And in the Puyallup River valley, similar lahar outdoor warning systems are in place. All of these outdoor systems are periodically tested for reliability.

Dangerous weather or other hazardous events can occur at any time of day or night, year-round. A key lesson learned and applied is to have multiple ways to receive critical warnings about these events, which helps save lives and property.

Ted Buehner is the ����Xվ Newsradio meteorologist. Follow him on �����Ի���. Read more of his stories here.

Going back through 2001, it has rained only twice at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac), five times at Paine Field in Everett, and twice in Olympia. The heaviest amount fell at Paine Field in 2002 with nearly two-tenths of an inch of rain. The last measurable rainfall fell 9 years ago in 2016, again at Paine Field with only five-hundredths of an inch of rain.

Sea-Tac high temperatures since 2001 on July 4 have ranged from a cool 65 degrees in 2002 to a hot 92 degrees in 2015. Last year, the high temperature was 83 degrees with plenty of sunshine. Since the start of the century, the average Independence Day high temperature has been 75.9 degrees.

At Olympia, the average high temperature has been 76.5 degrees, including a spread of 63 degrees in 2002 to 93 degrees in 2015. Last year, the high temperature on Independence Day was a toasty 86 degrees. Paine Field reached 79 degrees last year on the Fourth.

This week’s weather forecast, including Fourth of July weekend

During early July, it is quite common to have a weather pattern of morning clouds and afternoon sunshine. By Wednesday and into the holiday weekend, that weather pattern will be the case across western Washington. High temperatures will be quite seasonal, ranging from the mid-60s near shorelines to the 70s elsewhere from mid-week into the weekend.

The evening of the Fourth should have clear skies for a delightful evening of public fireworks shows.

Peak holiday travel times

Holiday travel for this week is already underway, with some taking the whole week off. Travel is expected to peak Wednesday and Thursday, and again on Sunday, when many who left town return.

Across the nation, according to the AAA travel forecast, over 72 million Americans are anticipated to travel over 50 miles for the Independence Day holiday weekend, a new record. Nearly 60 million will drive, and almost 6 million will fly.

Locally on the road, the Washington State Department of Transportation said highways like I-90, I-5, and US 2 will be busiest Wednesday through the holiday weekend, from late morning until around 7 p.m.

All highway road work will be paused to assist drivers. For I-90 drivers that use the Vantage Bridge across the Columbia River, starting July 9, bridge roadwork will resume full time until Labor Day Weekend, with only one lane in each direction crossing the bridge, resulting in delays.

If using the ferry system, Washington State Ferries cautions that the schedule could be changed based on available vessels and potential staffing shortages. Ferry authorities note the busiest sailings for vehicles will likely be westbound (or onto an island) Wednesday through Friday, and eastbound (or off an island) Saturday and Sunday.

Be sure to check the ferry schedule on their or app for the latest available information, and plan for delays in ferry terminal waits. To reduce waiting, riders may consider taking an early morning or late-night sailing, or using transit to walk or bike onto the ferry if possible.

Gas prices continue to climb in western Washington

On June 30, average Washington gas prices were about 12 cents higher than a year ago at $4.44 per gallon of regular fuel.

On July 1, though, the state’s gas tax at the pump is set to climb another 6 cents per gallon, the first rise on the gas tax in nearly a decade. The additional 6 cents brings the total to 55.4 cents per gallon, remaining the third highest in the nation, behind Pennsylvania at 57.6 cents and California at 61.2 cents per gallon.

Across Washington, the lowest gas prices can be found in parts of eastern Washington, including Spokane County and the northeast part of the state, Asotin County, and Yakima County. In western Washington, lower gas prices can be found in Whatcom, Skagit, Thurston, and Clark Counties.

In neighboring states, the average gas price in Oregon is $4.05 per gallon of regular, and in Idaho $3.43 a gallon. In contrast, the average price of regular fuel in British Columbia is $1.73 per liter, which translates to about $6.56 a gallon.

Fireworks and warm, dry conditions

This year has been much drier than average. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor showed all of western Washington is abnormally dry or in moderate drought. Sea-Tac is nearly 6 inches below average for the year thus far, Olympia is close to 9 inches behind, Everett Paine Field is nearly 12 inches, and usually wet Forks is a whopping 20 inches below normal for the year.

Grasses and shrubs are dry, and fireworks can easily ignite them. If using fireworks, be sure to have plenty of water on hand to knock down any fires that may start. Avoid the use of any fireworks that shoot into the air, such as bottle rockets that can start a house or brush fire.

The best choice to enjoy fireworks is to visit a public fireworks display throughout western Washington. As the country celebrates its 249th birthday, have a safe and sane Fourth of July with family, friends, and neighbors.

Ted Buehner is the ����Xվ Newsradio meteorologist. Follow him on �����Ի���. Read more of his stories here.

It has been four years this week since the historic ‘heat dome’ parked over the Pacific Northwest during the last week of June, surging temperatures well past all-time highs.

What is a Heat Dome?

A ‘heat dome’ is a strong high-pressure system aloft that gets cut off from the main westerly flow around the Northern Hemisphere, in this case across the Northern Pacific Ocean. The system’s sinking air motion and resulting low-level offshore flow toward the ocean produced the blistering temperatures.

As an analogy, think of this upper-level high-pressure system as a large rock in a river, resting in one spot while the water flows around it.

The descending air in a heat dome over time creates a warmer and warmer air mass. Between June 25 and 28, 2021, temperatures in the region warmed each day, peaking on the 28th, crushing previous all-time highs.

Bellingham soared to 99 degrees, Everett Paine Field 100, Arlington 103, SeaTac Airport 109, Olympia and Forks 110, and Portland, Oregon, a sizzling 116 degrees. The hottest temperature in the state was a scorching 120 degrees at Hanford near the Tri-Cities.

Heat wave impacts

During this historic heat wave, more than 250 people in the Pacific Northwest succumbed to the heat, and in Western Canada, over 400 people perished. Extreme heat is the No. 1 weather-related hazard yielding fatalities in the world. It kills more people than all other weather-related hazards like hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and winter storms combined.

Yet with the ongoing warming of the planet, the global upper-level air pattern has been tending to produce more of these cut-off upper-level high-pressure systems, which create extreme heat waves. For instance, much of the middle and eastern parts of the U.S. are suffering through a heat wave early this week.

Last year, heat waves were felt not only in the United States but also in Europe, Japan, India, Southeast Asia, and Pakistan. Temperatures in India and Pakistan soared to around 125 degrees.

Can a Heat Dome happen again in the PNW?

The latest seasonal summer weather outlook for Western Washington reflected good odds on warmer average temperatures into September and at or below normal precipitation during the driest time of the year.

With the ongoing warming of the planet, intense heat events in the Pacific Northwest can no longer be ruled out. The odds of another heat dome this summer or in the coming years are similar to rolling snake eyes 3 times in a row. Yet, it could happen again.

What to do if it gets hot:

If sensitive to excessive heat, here are some precautions to help during a period of hot weather.

• Be sure to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.
• Spend time in an air-conditioned location to help relieve the stress of the heat.
• If outdoors, seek shade and use sunscreen to avoid a sunburn.
• During the heat of the day, avoid strenuous activities like running.
• If working outdoors, take breaks in shade and drink plenty of water.
• Avoid leaving children and pets in cars, even for just a few minutes, with the windows open.
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing to help reflect heat.
• If on area waterways, be sure to wear a properly fitted life jacket to avoid falling into the cold water and suffering cold water shock, and drowning.
• For meals, eat easy-to-digest foods like salads and fruit.

Be sure to check on elderly family members, friends, or neighbors to help ensure they are doing okay during hot weather, particularly if they take medications. Studies have revealed that common treatments such as heart medicines, antihistamines, and decongestants don’t mix well with heat. Continue to take the medications, just stay cool, and stay hydrated. Consult with a doctor for any concerns.

Always monitor the latest weather forecasts for the potential of any heat waves. The National Weather Service has a publicly available heat-related resource called . This resource is a color-numeric index that shows a forecast threat of heat-related impacts.

HeatRisk takes into consideration how unusual the heat is for the time of year, the days of the expected hot weather, including not only daytime temperatures, but also temperatures overnight, and the elevated risk of heat-related health impacts.

HeatRisk was tested in the Western U.S. for a number of recent years, including the Seattle Forecast Office, and has been expanded nationwide. The resource has been quite useful during the heat wave across much of the eastern two-thirds of the country. Many TV weather segments have placed the colorful heat graphics on screen, highlighting areas of risk.

Enjoy this summer; just do so safely, particularly during periods of hot weather.

Ted Buehner is the ����Xվ Newsradio meteorologist. You can read more of Ted’s stories here and follow him on .

WA hosts the Special Olympics Spring Games

The games included soccer, bocce, track and field, softball, golf, and swimming and diving. The golf competition was held at Tacoma’s Meadow Park Golf Course, while swimming and diving took place at the King County Aquatics Center in Federal Way.

The athletes were supported by a total of roughly 1,000 coaches, chaperones, and personal medical assistants, as well as family and friends.

Opening ceremonies were held at Tacoma’s Cheney Stadium ahead of Friday evening’s Tacoma Rainiers baseball game. A parade of athletes marched around the field before the game, concluding with the lighting of the Olympic Games cauldron to the delight of fans. Following the fireworks after the game, one athlete excitedly said, “That was the best night of my life!”

A photo of celebrations ahead of the Tacoma Rainiers baseball game at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma. (Photo: Ted Buehner, ����Xվ Newsradio)

The cool showers on Friday and Saturday failed to dampen the athletes’ high spirits. The sun emerged on Sunday, offering a great final day for the Games.

The athletes inspired everyone. Fans, volunteers, and coaches enthusiastically cheered the competitors. At the medal awards, the John Williams Olympic Games Theme was played as medals were awarded to the bronze, silver, and gold medal winners.

The Spring Games also included a dance on Saturday, with nearly 1,500 attendees. Many dressed well for the event. Some women wore beautiful gowns, while some men were attired in suits or cowboy gear, ready to perform a variety of dance steps, including line dancing and conga lines.

About 1,000 volunteers supported the Spring Games each day. The volunteers included medical, security, and safety staff at each athletic venue and event.

A photo of the Puget Sound Memorial Field House entrance during the Special Olympics Spring Games. (Photo: Ted Buehner, ����Xվ Newsradio)

Emergency Management Group – Washington staffed the emergency operations center on campus, providing coordination of safety, medical, and security services for all the venues.

The 50th year of the Special Olympics Spring Games offered hope for all. The athletes enjoyed the competition and camaraderie, all while having a fun, life-changing experience.

Ted Buehner is the ����Xվ Newsradio meteorologist. You can read more of Ted’s stories here and follow him on .

The summer solstice is also the beginning of astronomical summer, also known as the start of summer. After June 20, days will gradually get shorter heading into the autumn equinox in late September.

June gloom to start Seattle summer

Many schools get out for the summer this Friday. Yet despite the start of the summer season, it will not feel like it, as June gloom will be in full effect.

An upper-level low is forecast to move through the Pacific Northwest Friday through the weekend, bringing showers and unseasonably cool temperatures. Highs will struggle to get past 60 degrees. Recall that less than two weeks ago, temperatures soared into the 80s and even the lower 90s.

Although the region needs the rain. So far this month, at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) and Bellingham, there has been no rainfall. Everett’s Paine Field has had only a trace of rain, while Olympia has had just one hundredth of an inch (0.01), and on the usually wetter coast, Hoquiam’s rain gauge remains dry this month, and Forks has had just 0.04 inches of rain.

Sea-Tac is over 5.5 inches of rain behind the average for the year. Olympia had a rain deficit of nearly 9 inches, and Everett is behind more than 10 inches of rain for the year, and Forks is a whopping 19 and a half inches below average.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, all of western Washington has been abnormally dry, and the area from the Cascades west of the I-5 corridor is now in a moderate drought. Yes, the region needs the rain.

The weather outlook for the rest of the month continues the June gloom trend with odds of cold temperatures and elevated rainfall. By July, the outlook warms up and dries out, but likely after the Fourth of July. This short-term cool showery trend will help delay the region’s wildfire season into the start of July.

Washington State Drought Monitor for June. (Photo courtesy of National Drought Mitigation Center)

History of the summer solstice

Through human history, many have observed the summer solstice with celebrations and rituals. For instance, the ancient Greeks marked the solstice as the start of the New Year and created a one-month countdown to the opening of the Olympic Games, true to this day.

Ancient European pagans welcomed the solstice with bonfires, hoping for a good fall harvest. Bonfires were also associated with magic, banishing evil spirits, and often led maidens to future husbands.

Stonehenge in the south of England is aligned with the direction of the summer solstice sunrise–one of many theories about the purpose of the megalith monument, where thousands gather each year to commemorate the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.

Many Native Americans participate in solstice rituals, which are still practiced today. For example, the Sioux perform a ceremonial sundance while wearing symbolic colors.

Today, many still celebrate the summer solstice. Parades and festivals are most common. In Northern Europe, bonfires are lit, and homes are decorated with garlands.  In parts of Scandinavia, people dance around Maypoles.

Seattle’s Fremont Solstice Parade

Seattle has one of the most free-spirited summer solstice parades in the country–the . The 34th annual parade will be this Saturday, June 21, starting at 1 p.m. More than 60 community-based ensembles are expected in the parade, starting on 3^rd and Leary Way and finishing on North 35^th Avenue, near the Fremont Rocket. In addition to the parade, two music stages with live local bands will be part of the festivities, along with booths selling handmade goods and art, fair food, colorful Seattle Art cars, and more.

Unfortunately, the weather expected for Saturday’s Solstice Parade will not feel summerlike.

On Friday’s summer solstice, celebrate the start of summer despite the cool and much-needed soggy conditions.

Ted Buehner is the ����Xվ Newsradio meteorologist. You can read more of Ted’s stories here and follow him on .

The Great Seattle Fire

On June 6, 1889, there were no precise weather records collected at that time, but that spring had been a warm and dry one. On the day of the Great Seattle Fire, an inadvertent spilled glue pot in a waterfront carpentry shop along what was named Railroad Ave [today’s Alaskan Way] started the historic Seattle fire.

On that warm afternoon, stiff winds coming off Elliott Bay helped fan the flames and spread the fire from one wooden structure and building to the next with ease. You can visit what’s left on the .

Seattle’s warm and dry conditions

So far this century, there have been a greater number of warm, dry springs and summers, including each year thus far this decade. Such dry conditions can elevate the threat of fast-spreading fires, particularly in neighborhoods where homes are quite close to each other.

Fortunately, newer Seattle structures have more fire-resistant building materials, and a state-of-the-art fire response community can help in stopping such rapidly spreading fires. Yet these kinds of fires can still happen, thanks to warm, dry, and breezy weather conditions. Similar conditions were witnessed in the LA fires early this year.

Already this spring, consider the wildfires that have erupted in the interior of central Canada, and the few early wildfires thus far in Washington this year.

Given Western Washington’s reputation of being a wet area, recent summers have started earlier and ended later, resulting in drier conditions. These environments have made it easier for wildfires to start. Just a few years ago, it was hard to fathom that Western Washington had more wildfires than Eastern Washington, according to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.

Seattle’s summer weather outlook

Looking ahead, the latest seasonal weather outlook for Western Washington leading into September shows good odds stacked in favor of overall warmer-than-average temperatures, with precipitation during the driest time of the year at or below normal rainfall levels.

Much of the state is already abnormally dry, including all of Western Washington, with the Cascades west to near the I-5 corridor in moderate drought status. Parts of Western Washington are well behind average for rain so far this year, including Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), more than 5 inches below average, and Everett, a whopping 10 inches below normal, or only 34 percent of average for the year thus far.

With drier, warmer weather in store, light fuels, like grasses, will be drying out soon, setting up the possibility for grass fires. It is important to keep burning materials inside vehicles and tighten up tow chains to avoid sparks from dragging lines in order to prevent roadside fire starts.

Can the Great Seattle Fire in 1889 happen again?

Neighborhoods can be at risk of wildfire when warm, dry, and windy conditions unfold, like what happened on the Seattle waterfront in 1889. Recall the in October 1991, when a wind-whipped fire burned close to 3500 homes and apartments, killing 25 and injuring 150. Similar conditions were in place during August 2023 in the Spokane area, with more than 300 homes burned and two fatalities.

Another example was a number of wind-driven wildfires in Western Oregon during Labor Day Weekend near Medford, east of Eugene and Springfield, east of Salem, and in the Columbia Gorge, burning hundreds of homes in total.

That same weekend, here locally, the Sumner Grade fire near Bonney Lake occurred on a windy day, burning four homes and temporarily displacing hundreds of residents. Protecting neighborhoods against wildfires is critical.

What you can do to prevent wildfires

Now is the time to prepare and build wildfire defensible space around homes and businesses. Consider this effort a part of spring yard cleaning. Visit for all the tips, such as moving firewood away from your home, trimming tree limbs to a height that is above your head, and cleaning roofs and gutters of debris.

Help and his motto–Only You Can Prevent Wildfires–whether in urban or rural areas.

Ted Buehner is the ����Xվ Newsradio meteorologist. Follow him on �����Ի���. Read more of his stories here.

Sea-Tac was not alone—Olympia received only about 30% of average rainfall in May, while Everett and Bellingham had just over 50% of their normal rainfall for the month.

For the year, Sea-Tac is close to five inches of rain below average, and Olympia is nearly eight inches below average. Yet Everett is a whopping 10 inches behind average, only 34% for the entire year.

This past winter’s mountain snowpack finished the season below average, and much of it has already melted off.

Drought conditions

These drier-than-average conditions are reflected in the latest “Drought Monitor.” All of western Washington is shown as abnormally dry, while the north and central Cascades spilling west into Western Washington to near the I-5 corridor is now considered in moderate drought.

The weather forecast for this week maintains more dry weather with mild, summerlike temperatures. Highs in western Washington this week are expected to be in the 70s with no rainfall anticipated.

Summer weather outlook

The weather outlook for June enhances the odds for warmer than average temperatures and tips the odds toward below average precipitation. Looking ahead for the rest of the summer, temperatures have the odds stacked in favor of overall above-average temperatures while precipitation during the driest time of the year shows at or below average rainfall.

Wildfire threat on the rise

These dry warm conditions heighten the threat of wildfires across the state, including western Washington. Unless substantial rainfall arrives soon, the wildfire season will likely begin about a month sooner than normal, likely around the early part of July. There have already been some small fires on both sides of the Cascades that were quickly addressed.

By August, the potential for wildfires across the state and the Pacific Northwest is considered above average thanks to the ongoing dry, warm conditions.

Wildfires can also occur in more urban areas, such as what happened in the Spokane area in August 2023, which burned more than 300 homes with two fatalities. June 6 also marks the date of the great Seattle Fire in 1889 that burned a large portion of downtown Seattle. On Labor Day weekend of 2020, a wind-driven wildfire burned several homes in the Bonney Lake area.

Wildfires also produce smoke. Last summer, western Washington escaped without experiencing wildfire smoke. Yet, the region has suffered poor air quality and visibility from smoke six out of the last eight summers, dating back to 2017, when smoke from British Columbia wildfires spread into the area. You can always monitor the latest air quality readings from the Washington Department of Ecology’s .

Preparing for wildfires

Many in western Washington live among trees. Homeowners, businesses, and renters can sign up for a free assessment on Washington’s . The assessment will review your home and its surroundings, and provide ideas on adjustments to reduce the threat of a wildfire or the burning impact of embers from a nearby fire miles away. It was those embers in the Los Angeles fires in January that helped rapidly spread those wildfires.

A short list of actions can include removing stacked firewood away from your structure, clearing debris from roofs and gutters, trimming tree limbs up to head level to avoid “ladder-climbing” fire from reaching into trees, and avoiding outdoor burning. For more information on what you can do to reduce your threat of wildfires, visit the .

If you are away from your home, be sure to keep burning materials inside your vehicle and not toss them outside, if towing, tighten tow chains to avoid sparking off the pavement, and when camping, ensure the campfire is cold before leaving.

Given the current dry and anticipated ongoing dry conditions through this summer, preventing wildfires is critical. As has said for decades: “Only you can prevent wildfires.”

Ted Buehner is the ����Xվ Newsradio meteorologist. Follow him on �����Ի���. Read more of his stories here.

There is a tendency to feel it always rains during this three-day holiday weekend. We all remember those soggy camping trips or when our outdoor activities got wet. So I looked at all the Memorial Day Weekends this century, going back to 2001, to learn if that was the case.

More rain or sun historically during Memorial Day weekend

For the 23-year period, there were 10 entirely dry holiday weekends and 13 that had at least some rain in the Puget Sound area. The wettest year? That was 2010 when it rained all three days, with many places getting close to a total of half an inch of rain that holiday weekend. That’s the wet Memorial Day Weekend we tend to remember.

Yet in contrast, the 2017 Memorial Day weekend had high temperatures climb well into the 80s under plenty of sunshine.

Last year was one of those cool and wet weekends with temperatures hovering around 60 degrees and some rainfall on Saturday and Sunday. The average high temperature during the last weekend of May is in the mid and upper 60s.

Thanks to the influence of the Pacific Ocean, western Washington tends to be temperate in late May. The typical Memorial Day weekend often has a “morning clouds, afternoon clearing” routine. Those morning clouds just might squeeze out a little bit of rain. Half of those 23 years this century had such a weather pattern.

What does this Memorial Day weekend weather look like for western Washington? It will offer plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures as higher pressure aloft takes up residence over the region and keeps incoming Pacific weather systems at bay. Highs are expected to rise into the 70s, with shoreline areas in the 60s, including the outer coast such as Ocean Shores and Long Beach.

Cascades will see mix of sun and clouds

If heading into the Cascades or Olympics for the weekend, expect a mix of sun and clouds with the freezing level hovering around 10,000 feet. Monday has a small possibility of a light shower. Overall though, it will be pleasant conditions for camping and hiking.

East of the Cascades weather will also offer warm sunshine through the holiday weekend. High temperatures each day will climb into the 70s and 80s, the warmest in the central basin, including the Tri-Cities.

Wherever you go this holiday weekend, whether a staycation or elsewhere, have a wonderful and safe Memorial Day Weekend. And on Memorial Day, remember those who paid the ultimate price for our country.

Ted Buehner is the ����Xվ Newsradio meteorologist. Follow him on �����Ի���. Read more of his stories here.

Is this an effort to “hide” critical information from the public about the impacts of our warming planet? It sure looks like it. This database archives major storms that have impacted the country, including floods, hurricanes, wildfires, and tornadoes.

Going back to 1980, this database reflects a growing number of costly major weather-related disasters. Since 1980, there have been slightly more than 400 $1 billion disasters in the U.S., totaling nearly $3 trillion in damages.

Weather disasters this decade

In just this decade, 2020 had 22 billion-dollar disasters, 2021 had 20, 2022 suffered 18 of them, 2023 had the most ever with 28, and last year, there were 27 such disasters, including Hurricanes Helene and Milton that alone are currently estimated at costing more than $50 billion in damages.

This year, there are four such billion-dollar disasters, including the January Los Angeles wildfires, that will go into the 2025 part of the database. The current estimate of that disaster is now between $250 and $275 billion. However, according to the NOAA announcement and the database being retired, this major disaster will not be a part of the database, along with any future weather-related disasters.

Why is this billion-dollar weather and climate disaster database being sidelined?

This administration does not want American citizens to know about the growing cost of these disasters and their impacts.

There are ongoing research studies outside of NOAA that, thus far, have not yet concluded that any major weather-related disaster was “directly” caused by our warming planet. So this database does not offer any threat to the administration’s effort to eliminate anything “climate-related,” but the public has a right to know what these disasters cost and how many there are.

The billion-dollar disaster database is unique and cannot easily be replicated. Much of the disaster cost data involves non-public information, such as from insurers who keep their data, techniques, and sources close to the vest, but have shared it with NOAA for this database in the public’s best interest. Now, the public will be kept in the dark about the actual costs and number of future major weather-related disasters.

To top it off, the White House has plans to cut more out of NOAA within the next year. Those cuts include closing the weather and climate labs and eliminating its research division. The work these small, but quite important, groups do includes updates to the Doppler weather radar network across the nation, further enhancement of weather satellite technology, and additional improvements to weather forecast model guidance.

These cuts to NOAA are going to have adverse impacts on future public safety—it’s inevitable. And hiding the costs of the growing number of major weather-related disasters is simply wrong and deceitful.

Ted Buehner is the ����Xվ Newsradio meteorologist. Follow him on �����Ի���. Read more of his stories here.

Yet this year, those April showers were fewer than usual. The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) finished the month about two-thirds of an inch of rain shy of the average 3.18 inches.

Much of the rest of western Washington was also drier than normal in April. For instance, Everett Paine Field had close to three-quarters of an inch of rain all month, well short of the 2.60-inch average.

Those May flowers will enjoy the warmest day of the year thus far on Thursday, as higher pressure aloft over the Pacific Northwest bumps temperatures well into the 70s across much of western Washington. Some locations south, toward Portland and in the Cascade foothills, could reach 80 degrees. April had four days in the 70s, with the 24th being the warmest at SEA with 72 degrees.

The warmer weather is expected to hang on Friday, providing a fine opportunity to view the tulips in the Skagit Valley, as that festival has been extended through this weekend. High temperatures are forecast to be just a few degrees cooler.

Western Washington weekend weather will bring rain

A change is anticipated for the weekend, though. A Pacific frontal system lurking offshore is expected to swing onshore, bringing some rain inland Friday night. Lingering showers should taper off Saturday, yet it will be much cooler with highs only in the 50s. Sunday is forecast to be the better weekend day with some partial afternoon clearing and high temperatures climbing into the upper 50s and lower 60s.

More sunshine is expected to return next week with high temperatures once again reaching into the 70s. The average high temperature in early May is in the mid-60s.

The spring sunshine and warmer temperatures are usually, always welcome. Yet, the Cascades and much of the Puget Sound region are abnormally drier than average for the year. SEA finished April close to four inches below normal for the year. Olympia has a six-and-a-half-inch deficit, and Everett–Paine Field has had only just over four inches of rain total this year, only 31% of average.

Puget Sound region sees moderate drought conditions

The mountain snowpack also finished the winter season below average. The nation’s Drought Monitor highlights the Cascades and much of the Puget Sound region as currently abnormally dry or moderate drought conditions.

In mid-April, the Washington State Department of Ecology declared a drought emergency in parts of central Washington through the Yakima River valley basin. That declaration released $4.5 million in emergency relief for communities, people, and businesses in that region. The drought declaration also marks the third year in a row, highlighting the ongoing dry conditions.

Chance of another ‘heat dome’

The drier-than-usual conditions do not look to have any substantial relief forthcoming as well. The latest seasonal weather outlook for the rest of this spring and summer offers good odds on warmer-than-average temperatures, while rainfall is expected to be near or just below average during the driest time of the year. This outlook follows the trend witnessed so far this century. The chance of another “heat dome” is quite slim, yet these days, it cannot be ruled out.

The more limited water situation offers some concerns. Water supplies may be more limited, particularly in mountain-fed rivers and streams. This situation is an issue for water consumption, agriculture, hydro power generation, fish, and recreation.

The reduced mountain snowpack and dry conditions mean the wildfire season has a better chance of being longer, starting earlier, and finishing well into this fall. Since 2017, western Washington has suffered from wildfire smoke—resulting in poor air quality six out of the last eight summers.

Recommendations for dealing with dry conditions

What can be done? Prepare to use less water when possible. For example, bathe cars in a car wash as opposed to at home. Consider swapping out the lawn for more drought-resistant yard plants.

With the ongoing dry conditions, avoid outdoor burning and ensure campfires are cold when leaving a campsite. Also, keep all burning materials inside vehicles. Around homes and businesses, create a defensible space. Visit for helpful tips to produce a defensible space and reduce the threat of a wildfire reaching your structure.

The calendar has rolled over into May. More spring-like, warmer weather lies ahead. The sun angle in early May is the same as in mid-August. To avoid sunburn, it is time to lather on that sunscreen and take other sun precautions when outside.

The days continue to get longer. Sunrises are now before 6 a.m., and sunsets will reach 8:30 p.m. on May 7. Safely enjoy the weather as spring marches on toward summer, which starts in just seven weeks.

Ted Buehner is the ����Xվ Newsradio meteorologist. Follow him on �����Ի���. Read more of his stories here.

How a tsunami forms

First, a tsunami, which literally translates to “harbor wave” in Japanese, is a series of waves that inundate coastlines. Tsunamis are generated by an upward lift of waterway bottoms, including oceans and regions like the Puget Sound, via a powerful earthquake, landslide, or even an undersea volcanic eruption. The Tonga tsunami in January 2022 was the result of a strong undersea volcanic eruption that sent tsunami waves across the entire Pacific Ocean basin.

Most tsunamis, though, are generated by powerful undersea earthquakes where the seabed abruptly rises, displacing the water above it. The March 2011 Japan Tohoku earthquake was such a substantial uplift of the seafloor that it generated tsunami waves across the entire Pacific Ocean, including the Washington coast. Fortunately, most of the energy was focused well south of Washington. The outer coastline had tsunami waves of under three feet.

The March 2011 Tohoku earthquake was the result of a subduction zone, where the Pacific plate moves under the Honshu plate. This movement creates building pressure between the two geologic plates until the pressure gives, resulting in a usually large earthquake. In the case of this earthquake, it was measured to be a 9.1 magnitude quake, the fourth strongest in recorded history.

Such a subduction zone resides about 100 miles off the Pacific Northwest coast, stretching from off Northern Vancouver Island south to off Northern California’s Cape Mendocino. This subduction zone is called the Cascadia Subduction Zone. The last time this earthquake zone gave way was on January 26, 1700, when an estimated 9.0 magnitude quake produced tsunami waves across the Pacific Ocean basin. Local tribal legends and Japanese tsunami history reflect this event.

Geologists indicate that the history of the Cascadian Subduction Zone generates a strong earthquake about every 300-500 years. We have now entered that time window.

So, can a tsunami occur in the Puget Sound region? A powerful Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake would produce tsunami waves, not only across the Pacific Ocean basin, but those tsunami waves would work their way into the Puget Sound through the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

What NOAA tsunami simulations have revealed

Simulations created by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Pacific Environmental Lab and the showed tsunamis in interior waters reached 10 feet or more along coastlines, particularly in tight or narrow waterways like the Hood Canal, Tacoma’s Commencement Bay, Seattle’s Harbor Island or Bellingham Bay.

Not only can a Cascadia earthquake event generate tsunamis in the inland waters of Western Washington, but so can local earthquake faults such as the Tacoma Fault, the Seattle Fault, and the South Whidbey Island Fault. The has a suite of local earthquake fault simulations of tsunamis involving these earthquake sources. The Seattle Fault simulation is based on a strong earthquake that occurred approximately 1,100 years ago.

Recent smaller earthquakes in and around Western Washington over the last few months served as a key reminder that this region is earthquake country. In fact, Washington is the second-most threatened state in the nation, trailing only California.

The Great Shakeout preparation

Earthquakes are no-notice events. Each year, Washington participates in the earthquake drill in mid-October. The drill offers the opportunity to practice readiness for an earthquake at any time of day. Schools use this event as their October monthly emergency drill.

It is crucial to consider earthquake safety actions wherever you may be when a quake strikes. Communication with loved ones and work staff is quite important. Power and phone systems will likely be out of service in the wake of an earthquake.

Having a backup communication plan can be critical. The Great ShakeOut drill offers the chance to practice your backup communication plan. Know in advance how and who to reach in case the phone and power systems go offline.

Being ready for an earthquake and a potential tsunami, and knowing what to do when such an event unfolds, can help save the lives of loved ones.

Ted Buehner is the ����Xվ Newsradio meteorologist. Follow him on �����Ի���. Read more of his stories here.

Thanks to relatively clear skies over the Pacific Northwest, the best time to potentially see the aurora borealis will be between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.

Shawn Dahl of the National Weather Service’s Space Weather Prediction Center happened to give a planned space weather presentation earlier this week at the , which runs through Thursday. He highlighted the latest burst of energy from the sun that would reach our planet from Wednesday into Thursday, which could produce an aurora borealis visible across much of Canada and the northern tier of the U.S.

Tips for viewing the northern lights

The best opportunity to view the potential aurora borealis is away from city lights in a much darker environment. The moon is slated to rise in the southeastern sky shortly after 12:30 a.m. and will add some light to the night sky.

If you see the northern lights, take a picture and share it with us on MyNorthwest’s photo page.

Ted Buehner is the ����Xվ Newsradio meteorologist. Follow him on �����Ի���. Read more of his stories here.

Imagine water in a stream flowing around a large rock. The water wraps around the rock and meets on the other side. On a larger scale, this is similar to what happens with westerly air flowing off the Pacific. The air flows around the Olympic Mountains and converges just east of them.

South Snohomish County is ground zero for the Puget Sound Convergence Zone. The air flows around the Olympics through the Strait of Juan de Fuca on the north side and the Chehalis Gap on the south side. As the air converges, it rises, producing clouds and often rain.

If it’s cold enough, snow can even fall—as it did on April 18, 2008, when parts of southern Snohomish County saw up to 10 inches of snow. Thunderstorms can also develop. When there’s frequent, stronger flow through the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the convergence zone can shift southward into King County.

The Puget Sound Convergence Zone can occur at any time of the year, but it happens most frequently in the spring. Ironically, areas to the north and south of the convergence zone often experience breaks in the cloud cover and periods of sunshine. For example, the San Juan Islands and Skagit County to the north and Renton to Tacoma to the south often have clear skies.

Spring marks peak rainbow season in Puget Sound

Spring also marks the peak of the North Sound’s rainbow season. While rainbows can occur year-round, the combination of spring showers and a higher sun angle results in more frequent rainbows during this season.

Rainbows are formed when sunlight interacts with rain or water droplets suspended in the air. Sunlight enters a droplet, slowing and bending the light as it passes from air to denser water. The light reflects off the inside of each droplet, breaking into its different colors. As the light exits the droplet, it forms a rainbow.

Sunlight consists of a spectrum of colors, each with a different wavelength. Violet has the shortest wavelength and bends the most, while red has the longest wavelength and bends the least. When you see a rainbow, the light reflecting back to you, with the sun at your back, will show all the colors between violet and red, with violet on the bottom and red on top.

If you spot a rainbow, take a picture, and share it with us on MyNorthwest’s photo page.

The Northwest Avalanche Center released its latest mountain snow depth statistics as of April 1. In the Olympic Peninsula, Hurricane Ridge had 76 inches of snow on the ground, which is close to 75 percent of the average. According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the water in that snowpack was near 95 percent of the normal.

The snowpack in the Cascades varied quite a bit. Mount Baker reported 148 inches of snow, or close to 90 percent of the average, but the water in that snow was only 74 percent of normal.

The central Cascades found Stevens Pass with six feet of snow and Snoqualmie Pass with five feet, both just shy of 75 percent of the average water equivalent.

The southern Cascades fared much better for snowfall. Crystal Mountain had seven feet of snow on the ground, close to 110 percent of normal. Paradise on Mount Rainier had 164 inches, and White Pass had 56 inches, both 95 percent of the average. The water equivalent in this region’s snowpack was between 80 and 110 percent of normal.

With mountain snowpack seasons below average two years in a row, greater strain will be placed on water supplies for the upcoming summer and fall.

Drought status

According to the latest Drought Monitor, the Cascades and much of the Puget Sound region are abnormally dry or in moderate drought status. In the Puget Sound area, most locations, including Olympia and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), are about three to five inches below average for the year thus far, despite March being wetter than normal.

The coastal region is also drier than normal. Hoquiam is about four inches below average for the year, while Forks is nearly a whopping 13 inches below average.

The state of Washington has not declared a drought emergency at this point, yet the situation is being closely monitored. By state law, a drought emergency is when a lower-than-average precipitation and water supply condition threshold is reached.

For a part of the state to be considered in a drought, that area must be below or projected to be below 75% of normal. This water shortage is likely to create undue water supply stress.

Unless the remainder of spring is cool and wet, mountain snowpack will be depleted much earlier than usual, leaving a smaller water supply for agriculture, power generation, fish, and water consumption later this year.

Spring weather outlook

The latest outlooks for the rest of this month fail to point toward cool or wet conditions.

Starting later this week, temperatures are expected to climb above average, with some locations cracking the 70-degree mark.

By Sunday and into next week, rain is forecast to return with mild temperatures and relatively high mountain snow levels.

This trend is expected to continue for much of the rest of the month.

Wildfire and smoke concerns

A less-than-average mountain snowpack usually means it melts off sooner than typical. What is called ‘green-up’ follows as ground vegetation grows. By mid-summer however, that vegetation dries out, setting up an environment more conducive to wildfires.

In 2023, Western Washington had more fire starts than Eastern Washington for the first time ever, according to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. Since 2017, the Puget Sound region has experienced poor air quality from wildfire smoke in six of the last eight summers.

The weather in April and May could help adjust the outcome of this dry situation, but the upcoming summer and fall are pointing towards concern as low water supply, wildfires, and wildfire smoke are on the horizon once again.

Monday, March 31, is the last day you can drive with studded tires in Washington.

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) says studded tires damage pavement, costing taxpayers additional road repair and maintenance costs.

According to , studded tires lead to up to $29 million in damages for state-owned roads in Washington each winter, with additional costs to city and county roads.

For future winters, WSDOT is urging drivers to consider other traction options, such as non-studded, winter-tread tires. These are different from all-season tires, and do not cause damage to roadways.

No extensions granted, avoid fines

For those who still need to remove the studs from their tires, it is recommended to plan ahead. Tire shops are expected to have long lines and wait times.  Many tire shop managers highly suggest getting an appointment in advance to reduce the wait time.

Starting at midnight on Tuesday, April 1, all drivers with studded tires can face a fine of $137. This includes visitors with out-of-state tags.

No extension to this law is expected to be planned for this year. Crews will continue to monitor mountain passes, roads, and weather forecasts in order to quickly clear any late-season snow or ice.

Before hitting the road, be sure to check road conditions so ‘you know before you go’ by visiting the WSDOT or app.

Ted Buehner is the ����Xվ Newsradio meteorologist. Follow him on �����Ի���.

As the calendar finishes the month, more cool showery weather is in store Monday spilling over into early April.

Another upper level low has replaced the one that resided off the coast for much of last week. This weather system will again circulate a cool unsettled air mass onshore for more spring showers along with some sunbreaks Monday into Wednesday.

Cool temperatures in store for western Washington

High temperatures will feel rather cool again, only reaching the 50 to 55-degree range, while lows will bottom out in the mid-30s to lower 40s. The average high temperature for around the first of April is in the mid-50s.

The offshore upper low is forecast to slowly drift into Oregon Tuesday and Wednesday, taking the cool, showery weather pattern with it by Thursday. As the end of the week approaches, higher pressure aloft is forecast to build over the Pacific Northwest, bringing drier and warmer weather.

More sunshine is anticipated to emerge Thursday, and by Friday, considerable sunshine will bathe the region. High temperatures on Friday will feel more spring-like, climbing to near or above 60 degrees—just in time for the Seattle Mariners’ next home stand to begin against division rival the Houston Astros.

In the mountains, more rain and snow showers are expected through Wednesday, with the snow level hovering around 2,500 to 3,000 feet. A few more inches of fresh snow are forecast. And a reminder: the deadline to remove studded tires is Monday, March 31st.

March was first month with above average rainfall

March will finish with above-average rainfall for the first time this year. Through Saturday, SEA had already exceeded the monthly average of 4.17 inches, recording 5.07 inches. After being close to 7 inches behind normal for the year earlier this month, the rain deficit has shrunk to around 3 inches.

Olympia, through Saturday, had received 5.73 inches of rain so far this month. The monthly average is 5.68 inches, but for the year, it remains about 5 inches below normal.

Bellingham made up a great deal of ground this month, rainfall-wise. The rain total so far is just over 5 inches, and for the year, it’s now just over average. Coastal areas have also been wet this month, but still remain between about 4 to 12 inches behind average for the year.

With spring showers to finish the month, March looks like it will go out like a lion after coming in like a lamb. Yet later this week, it will feel more like spring with sunshine and warmer temperatures expected to extend into the coming weekend.

Ted Buehner is the ����Xվ Newsradio meteorologist. Follow him on �����Ի���.

On Wednesday around 3 p.m., the National Weather Service issued for Clark, Lewis, Thurston, Cowlitz, Pierce, King, and Skamania counties until 9 p.m.

This kind of weather is unusual for Western Washington and is reminiscent of a Midwest or Plains state weather pattern that can produce severe weather. With an upper-level low forecast to set up camp off the Pacific Northwest coast, the southerly flow wind along its east flank will send warm, moist, and unstable air into the region, setting up the environment for these active thunderstorms.

Thunderstorm recipe

As taught in Skywarn Weather Spotter and other weather courses, thunderstorms need three primary ingredients – moisture, an unstable air mass, and lift.

With lots of recent rain and muggy air, moisture can be expected. Late March temperatures are above average, cracking the 70-degree mark, and much cooler air is a part of the offshore upper-level low, leading to the possibility of air mass becoming unstable. This makes it easy for the warm, moist surface air to rise, creating clouds and storms.

The upper-level low itself will provide the lift, given the southerly flow aloft on its eastern perimeter. Adding this all together, our three thunderstorm ingredients will be able to make the recipe for an active thunderstorm episode late Wednesday.

As previously mentioned, the thunderstorms will involve plenty of lightning, heavy rainfall, and downpours.

Safety actions

Late Wednesday afternoon and evening will be a period to keep an eye on the sky,  monitoring weather conditions through the Doppler weather radar on websites and weather apps. If severe weather approaches, move indoors.

The phrase – When thunder roars, go indoors – applies here.

There has not been a lightning fatality in the state since 1996 – let’s keep it that way.

If travel is essential, be aware that heavy downpours can result in lots of water on roadways and even the possibility of local flash flooding. Any strong damaging winds can blow down trees and create local power outages.

Tornadoes cannot be ruled out

Nearly all tornadoes are born from thunderstorms. Washington averages about two to three tornadoes per year. This weather pattern hosts the environment and potential to produce tornadoes, despite its rarity for this region. The chances of a tornado are quite low, yet the threat cannot be ruled out. Here are some helpful videos you can watch to prepare for a tornado event:

Previous storms

The last time this region had a similar weather pattern was on May 4, 2017, near Lacey, Washington. A severe thunderstorm struck the area, flooding streets, creating hundreds of lightning strikes — leading to strong winds blowing down trees and knocking out power.

Looking at the rest of the week

By the end of the week, the severe weather threat will be over. The upper-level low is expected to remain off the coast and send cooler conditions onshore with frequent showers Thursday and Friday before tapering off this weekend. High temperatures will cool back down into the 50s.

Wednesday’s weather pattern is one to pay a great deal of attention to, given how rarely it occurs in Western Washington. Keep an eye to the sky, and be prepared to take action in case threatening weather approaches.