Tri-Cities Set to Break the Highest Temp Ever Recorded in Washington

According to Plantmaps.com, the highest temperature ever recorded in Tri-Cities was on July 23, 2006, when the mercury topped out at 112 degrees. Now, if you look deeper, you will discover our area actually hit 118 degrees at Ice Harbor Dam on August 5, 1961 – which is the highest temperature ever recorded in Washington State, and it appears we have a slight chance of getting very close to that record.  Please, let’s hope not!

The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Watch through all of next week. In fact, it appears we will have triple-digit temps through the July 4^th holiday weekend. The warmest day looks to be arriving on Monday, with the forecast at 115 degrees or higher.

If you plan to travel out of the area to escape the heat, you won’t find much relief anywhere except for coastal beaches where highs will be in the upper 70s to low 80s. You could retreat to the mountains, but the mid-90s isn’t much of a reprieve.

Seattle's record temp of 103, occurred July 23, 2009, at SeaTac Airport. The Puget Sound area is expecting to remain below that record, with the warmest day expected on Sunday with a high of 98.

Here are few precautions to take during the “Heatwave of 2021”.

1. Drink plenty of water (limit alcohol intake)
2. Stay in air-conditioned areas
3. Stay out of the sun during the warmest part of the day – 10 am to 4 pm.
4. Check up on the elderly and neighbors
5. Never leave pets or young children in vehicles
6. Outdoor activities will be safest in the early morning or evening hours.
7. If you have to be outdoors – wear a hat and apply sunscreen liberally