Don’t trust Friday’s cool-down. Heat returning this weekend will raise regional fire risk

The cool is coming back — but not for long.

While Friday temperatures will be close to normal with a high of about 77 degrees, the National Weather Service warns of elevated to critical fire risk this weekend. Dry and windy conditions, alongside low humidity, are expected to impact much of central Puget Sound, including northern Thurston County.

Offshore eastern winds also may bring smoke and haze from wildfires to Western Washington, lowering air quality on Sunday and Monday, according to the NWS.

Heat risk will continue to affect those without access to adequate water or cooling. Temperatures in Thurston County are expected to reach the high 80s or low 90s on Sunday.

Things should cool to normal on Monday and throughout the week, with highs projected in the upper 70s and low 80s.

This story was originally published August 17, 2023 at 12:34 PM.

Joanna Hou

The Olympian

Joanna Hou is a news intern for The Olympian. She is a student at Northwestern University majoring in journalism and history, and has previously worked at Frontline PBS and Midstory. At her college paper, The Daily Northwestern, she most recently served as campus editor.