Temps to soar into upper 70s, low 80s for warmest day of the year so far

SEATTLE — It may only be April, but depending on your tolerance for heat, you may want to dig out those summer shorts and sandals to keep cool, especially with the below-normal temperatures we’ve had this month.

Friday will be the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures in the upper 70s and even low 80s in some places. The forecast high temperature on Friday of 78° would break the daily record in Seattle for the day, which is 76°.

If you’re planning on heading to a lake, river or Puget Sound to keep cool, first responders are warning swimmers about the dangers of cold water.

Here’s how long the warmth will last.

Forecast:

We’re off to a nice start Friday morning with temps in the 40s and 50s along with mainly clear skies! After hitting 68° Thursday, we are really going to heat things up today!

High pressure aloft strengthens Friday into the weekend, and this will allow for a sharp, yet brief warmup. In addition, cooling onshore flow will cease for Friday and only start back up at the beaches later on Saturday.

My forecast high for Friday of 78° in Seattle would break the daily record. Some spots near the Cascades and in the foothills will hit 80 both days, as will locations south of Puget Sound.

>>KIRO 7 PinPoint 7-Day Forecast

The Northwest Avalanche Center issued a special bulletin noting the potential for some hazards in the backcountry from snowmelt as well as some avalanches being triggered because of cornices and other structures formed by snow failing. Travelers in the mountains should be on the lookout for water on roads, though the danger from avalanches is mainly in uncontrolled, backcountry terrain.

Rivers will be running faster and cold with water temperatures in the 30s and 40s. Lakes will only be in the 40s to low 50s, presenting a danger of cold water shock. Make sure everyone has a lifejacket on the water.

Saturday’s highs will be back in the 70s again in the interior with some sunshine, but 50s to near 60 at the coast. By Sunday, this cooler air will be back in the interior, including Puget Sound.

A few showers are possible Monday with highs around 60° before a little more sunshine and a bit warmer by Tuesday and Wednesday, with highs back in the mid to upper 60s.

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