Excessive Heat in Southwest Interior, Washington

A long stretch of hot weather continued to impact the Southwest Interior through the end of the month. Another record high temperature of 99 degrees was set at the Olympia airport the afternoon of July 30th. This broke the previous record of 97 degrees set in 1965.

A strong ridge of high pressure built across the Pacific Northwest at the end of July, making for well-above normal temperatures for most of Western Washington. Afternoon high temperatures in the interior lowlands soared into the 90s, with little relief during the overnight periods with lows in the 60s. This brought about a high probability of heat-related impacts to the area, especially those without an adequate means of cooling and/or hydration. Towards the beginning of August, the return to onshore flow from the Pacific brought about a relief from the heat.