Get ready to bake - hottest day of the year so far!

With a big ridge of high pressure keeping weather to our north and a thermal trough offshore -- we've got the ingredients in place for the hottest temps we can get in Western Washington.  Today's forecast for Seattle is for abundant sunshine and 89 degrees, which is the current record, set last year.  Lots of us will nudge 90 today, with communities in the Cascade foothills and Tacoma southward getting into the low 90s.  There is a HEAT ADVISORY for Cowlitz County southward.  Portland is forecast to hit 97 today.

The extreme heat is a one-day wonder.  Tomorrow, a weak marine push with bring some clouds in late in the day and we'll be about 10 degrees cooler, highs in the upper 70s to near 80.

Thursday and Friday look pleasant -- morning clouds with some afternoon clearing and highs in the more comfortable low 70s.  Perfect for the 4th of July!

Our 4th of July weekend will feature a weak cold front, but probably no rain, except for the mountains and coast could have a shower.  It will be cloudier with highs in the low-to-mid 70s.

Summer Solstice Sunset over Penn Cove. From Thad on Whidbey Island.



"Sun Spot." Sunbeam hitting an area of trees across Hood Canal. From Kevin near Twanoh State Park.