The National Weather Service issued a “Heat Advisory” for the northwest on Tuesday (July 6), as the summer season gets “switched on,” with temps predicted to hit highs around 90 degrees or so toward the end of the week.

First, the weather service’s advisory in its full glory:

Statement as of 3:23 PM PDT on July 06, 2010

… The first stretch of hot weather is expected across western Washington this week…

The cool and moist onshore flow pattern which dominated western Washington weather through the Fourth of July has come to an end this week… as a strong upper level ridge and offshore develop over the area. Offshore flow will increase tonight and Wednesday helping maximum temperatures to rise into the 80s to mid 90s the next few days.

Latest computer models indicate that the upper level ridge will weaken this weekend and onshore flow will return. This is the more typical onshore flow we see during the Summer that helps to moderate the warmest weather patterns. Although temperatures will cool down a little this weekend… they will remain warmer than normal.

Temperatures in the 80s to mid 90s can cause some heat related health problems even in western Washington. As temperatures climb into the 90s… sunstroke… heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity. This is especially true for the elderly. Some precautions that will reduce the risk of heat related illness include but are not limited to… reducing strenuous activity… wear lightweight and light colored clothing… and drink plenty of water or other non-alcoholic fluids. Also… never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles during hot weather.

***The following are the record high temperatures and year of occurrence for select locations. Refer to the forecast for the expected high temperatures on these dates.***

Wednesday /Thursday /Friday

Sea-tac 88 (1953) 87 (1985,52) 91 (1985)

Olympia 95 (1953) 94 (1952) 95 (1985)

Bellingham 88 (1953) 85 (1952) 85 (1979,52)

Quillayute 80 (1996) 82 (1968) 85 (2007)

Hoquium 81 (1996) 87 (1956) 83 (2002)

Sandpoint 82 (1996) 82 (2006) 81 (2003)

And now, some ways to beat the heat in Burien, along with some common sense tips:

1. THURS.. July 8: Go to Lake Burien Memorial Park and enjoy a FREE concert from Chasing Jane, along with sprinklers at 3pm and 7pm courtesy Burien Parks; here’s their Tweet from Tuesday, July 6:

#Burien Hot enough for you? Cool off at Thursday Concert In The Park. We will have sprinklers going at 3PM and 7PM

2. Find a cool place to hang out. The main branch of the Burien Library has air conditioning, as does the new Community Center and numerous other publicly-accessible buildings around the area.

3. Red Cross Safety Tips:

With temperatures expected to rise this week, the American Red Cross encourages individuals and families to take the necessary precautions. The very young and the elderly are especially vulnerable to the heat, so it is important that families and friends check on them regularly.People with chronic health issues are also at greater risk and need to take special care to stay healthy in the heat.

Prevent Heat-Related Illness:

• Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing (light colors reflect away some of the sun’s energy) and plenty of sunscreen. Wear a hat or use an umbrella to help shield you from the sun.
• Carry water or juice and drink frequently, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body. Make sure to check on youth and elderly to make sure they have enough fluids.
• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increases metabolic heat.
• Avoid using salt tablets unless directed by a physician.
• Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do something physically demanding, try to do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually between 4:00 and 7:00 a.m. Take regular breaks to cool off.
• Stay indoors as much as possible [EDITOR'S NOTE: We encourage all Readers to stay inside, reading the B-Town Blog as much as possible; best bet is to just sit there and press the "Refresh" button on your browser to see the latest stories.].
• Be vigilant about water safety if headed to a pool or beach. Never leave a child unattended near water and keep lifesaving gear handy.
• Watch for signs of life-threatening heat stroke. The person’s temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly.
• Signals of heat stroke include hot, red, and usually dry skin, changes in consciousness, rapid, weak pulse and rapid, shallow breathing.
• If you or someone you know experience symptoms, call 9-1-1 or your local EMS number. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body by wrapping wet sheets around the body and fan it. If you have ice packs or cold packs, place them on each of the victim’s wrists and ankles, in the armpits and on the neck to cool the large blood vessels. Watch for signals of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear. Keep the person lying down.
• Don’t forget to protect your pets.
• Limit exercise to the coolest part of the day, typically early in the morning. Even in the coolest part of the day, watch for signs of trouble. Glassy eyes and frantic panting indicate a dog needs help.
• Make sure your pet has constant access to shade and an endless supply of cool, clean water.
• Never leave a pet in a car – even for a few minutes.
• Be vigilant for signs of heat stroke, which is deadly for pets. Symptoms include sluggish and non-responsive demeanor, bright red and/or dry tongue and gums, vomiting or diarrhea and/or unusual breathing patter, heavy panting, or high heart rate.  If your pet displays these symptoms, get emergency medical attention.

The National Weather Service issued a “High Wind Watch” advisory Thursday afternoon (April 1), and unlike some of our earlier stories, this one’s no joke – expect wind speeds between 35 and 55 MPH beginning around 10am Friday, April 2nd.

This means that there could be downed trees, power outages, road hazards, and of course, messy hair aplenty.

It also means snow and high winds in the mountains, along with treacherous pass conditions, so be careful if you’re traveling anywhere for Easter weekend.

Here’s the language the weatherfolk are using:

…High wind watch remains in effect for the greater Puget Sound region…east Puget Sound lowlands…and the lower Chehalis valley from Friday morning through Friday afternoon…

A high wind watch remains in effect from Friday morning through friday afternoon. * very strong…possibly damaging…south winds may develop along  and behind a cold front on Friday…over portions of interior Western Washington.

There is still some uncertainty as to the exact track and depth of the associated surface low moving near or just north of washington. At this time…the most likely   scenario would generate south winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph.

However…if the surface low deepens more than expected…wind speeds could reach close to high wind criteria.  Therefore the high wind watch remains in effect until details are more certain. * the very strong winds could result in some power outages across portions of western washington friday afternoon and evening due to power lines being damaged by tree limbs. Some of the regions  trees have begun to leaf out already…which could add to the potential for wind damage to occur. Rain soaked ground could allow trees to easily topple or become uprooted.

Precautionary/preparedness actions… A high wind watch means conditions are favorable for damaging winds. High winds can topple trees…down power lines…and damage some structures.

• Confidence is high that strong winds and heavy snow will affect the mountains.
• Confidence is high that damaging winds will affect the Washington Coast and North Interior
• Confidence is only moderate that damaging winds will affect the Central Puget Sound area

A strong spring storm system will develop offshore and rapidly move through Western Washington Friday

• Strong and damaging winds are expected, especially along the coast and in the northern interior of Western Washington
• Trees have begun to leaf out, so there is a greater likelihood of downed limbs and trees
• Heavy mountain snow of 1 to 3 feet is expected in the Cascades and Olympics above 3000 feet.
• Increased avalanche hazards in the Cascades and Olympics
• Heavy rainfall at lower elevations of the Southern Olympics will cause rises on the Skokomish river, though flooding is not expected at this time. Other rivers will not flood.

Bulk of Puget Sound area and Southwest Interior: S to SW 35 (with) Gusts of 55 mph beginning 10 AM PDT

For the latest updates, check out the National Weather Service’s Seattle-area website here.

We’re pretty sure that the last time a tsunami hit the northwest coast of the U.S. was in 1964, shortly after a major earthquake struck Alaska; far as we know, it damaged some places on the Oregon coast, including Cannon Beach.

Saturday morning (Feb. 27th), imagine our surprise when we saw an “Advisory” posted in our Weather Widget in the right sidebar. Clicking on it revealed that yes, a “Tsunami Advisory” had been issued for the northern and central Washington coast after a huge, 8.8 quake hit Chile´.

We don’t think this is cause for panic in the Puget Sound region, but we wanted to share this info because, well, who knows – maybe a tsunami-based wave will hit the shorelines near Burien? Maybe not?

The advisory warns that, if indeed a tsunami wave makes it up the coast, takes a right turn through the Strait of Juan de Fuca, makes another right and heads down through the upper islands of Puget Sound…when (and if) it hits Pier 48 in Seattle it’s predicted to be .13 feet high, which, according to our rudimentary math skills, equals a measly 1.56 inches high.

According to this NOAA website, the predicted time for this wave to strike Seattle is 1641 PST – for us non-military types, that’s 4:41pm Saturday afternoon.

If you happen to have a video camera and a lot of free time this afternoon, why not hang out near one of Burien’s beaches around 4:30-5pm and see if you can videotape a 1.56 inch wave barreling in from the north? We’d love to post it – please email us if you do!

And if you know anyone who lives on the coast, or in Hawaii, please make sure they’re aware of this advisory, as it could be very serious in those areas.

According to the National Weather Service:

Persons in tsunami advisory areas should move out of the water… off the beach and out of harbors and marinas.

Tsunami advisories mean that a tsunami capable of producing strong currents or waves dangerous to persons in or very near water is imminent or expected. Significant widespread inundation is not expected for areas in an advisory. Tsunamis are a series of waves potentially dangerous several hours after initial arrival time. Estimated times of initial wave arrival for selected sites in the advisory are provided below.

Here’s the “Tsunami Advisory” language as posted at 9:18am:

Tsunami Advisory

Statement as of 9:18 AM PST on February 27, 2010

… A tsunami advisory remains in effect for the northern and central Washington coast…

A tsunami advisory remains in effect for the northern and central Washington coast.

There is no Tsunami Watch or warning in effect for the Washington coast. Repeat… there is no Tsunami Watch or warning in effect.

A powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake occurred at 1034 PM PDT Friday near the central coast of chile. It has generated a tsunami wave… which is now spreading out across the Pacific Ocean.

The first tsunami waves are expected to reach the Washington coast between 250 PM and 310 PM PST this afternoon. The following are the
estimated arrival times of the first waves.

• Seaside or… … ..246 PM PST
• Westport WA… … .257 PM PST
• Neah Bay WA… … .307 PM PST

The largest tsunami waves are expected two hours after the first arrival.

The waves are not expected to be large enough to cause coastal flooding along the Washington coast. However… some coastal areas could experience dangerous currents and surges in harbors and bays. Forecast tsunami wave amplitudes follow.

• Long Beach WA… ..0.46 ft
• Westport… … … .0.78 ft
• Moclips… … … ..1.27 ft
• Neah Bay… … … .0.65 ft
• Port Angeles… … 0.33 ft
• Bellingham… … ..0.46 ft
• Everett… … … ..0.13 ft
• Seattle-pier 48… 0.13 ft

The minimum wave height for a tsunami advisory on the Washington coast is 6 inches or 15 centimeters.

The initial wave will not be the largest. Coastal residents are advised to stay out of the water… off the beach… and away from harbors and marinas. Wave heights and currents are amplified by irregular shoreline and are difficult to predict. The tsunami may not be visible among the common ocean surf… yet tide gages will likely report some fluctuations.

Mariners in water deeper than 600 feet should not be affected by a tsunami.

Repeat… no Tsunami Watch or warning is in effect for the northern and central Washington coast.

And just ‘cuz we found it and we love science, here’s a pretty cool simulation video of what might happen if a tsunami hit Elliott Bay:

Click here to view the embedded video.

UPDATE: 1:45pm PST: So far, no tsunami yet in Hawaii, but this type of rare event is considered and “inexact science.” Here’s a link to a website that’s broadcasting a live TV signal from Hawaii.

Also, here’s the live webcam feed from Burien’s Seahurst Park Beach, just in case; refresh this page to see the latest:

The National Weather Service issued an unusual Advisory Monday (Jan. 18th) – this one for a “minor tidal overflow” that will be in effect for Puget Sound Tuesday morning and possibly again Wednesday morning.

According to the report, “very high astronomical tides combined with lower than normal atmospheric pressures” as well as high winds may cause some flooding.

So, if you live near the shoreline and your street/yard/area has a tendency to flood, you might want to put out some sandbags just in case.

Here’s the actual advisory:

… Coastal Flood Advisory for minor tidal overflow is in effect for Puget Sound and the north interior from 5 am to 11 am PST Tuesday…

The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued a coastal Flood Advisory for minor tidal overflow from Puget Sound to the north interior… which is in effect from 5 am to 11 am PST Tuesday.

Minor tidal overflow may occur along some of the shorelines and nearby low-lying areas around Puget Sound and the north interior Tuesday morning… around the time of high tide. Minor tidal overflow is caused by very high astronomical tides combined with lower than normal atmospheric pressures. The Table below shows time of high tide for areas around Puget Sound… along with the normal tide table value and the expected total tide.

Time of tide table expected expected location high tide value anomaly total tide

• Seattle 7:30 am 12.2 ft 1.6 ft 13.8 ft
• Port Townsend 7:06 am 9.1 ft 1.8 ft 10.9 ft
• Bellingham 8:12 am 9.6 ft 1.9 ft 11.5 ft

Minor tidal overflow problems usually begin at 13.5 feet around Seattle and 11.5 feet around Bellingham… and the current forecasts for those areas just meet or exceed those levels. In addition… the atmospheric pressure could be a little lower than forecast… and local winds may cause water to pile up along shorelines more than expected… possibly higher than the expected total tide values. Southeast winds 20 to 30 knots are forecast over the northern inland waters Tuesday morning as another deep low pressure system moves northward offshore. Winds over the waters of Puget Sound are expected to be south 10 to 20 knots Tuesday morning.

Another very high astronomical tide will occur Wednesday morning. The forecast tides for Wednesday morning are slightly lower than for Tuesday… but computer model forecasts indicate the anomaly will still be large enough so that minor tidal overflow problems remain a possibility.

Precautionary/preparedness actions…

Minor tidal over flow can cause local flooding along shorelines and nearby low-lying areas.

You know it’s November in the Northwest when another Weather Advisory gets posted – this one a “Wind Advisory” predicted to hit around 6pm Sunday night and continue for at least another 24 hours.

As usual, batten down your blue tarps Burien!

Here’s the statement, issued by the National Weather Service at 3:22pm Sunday, Nov. 15th:

Statement as of 3:22 PM PST on November 15, 2009

… Wind Advisory in effect from 6 PM this evening to 6 PM PST Monday…

… High wind watch in effect from Monday evening through Tuesday afternoon…

The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued a Wind Advisory… which is in effect from 6 PM this evening to 6 PM PST Monday. A high wind watch has also been issued. This high wind watch is in effect from Monday evening through Tuesday afternoon.

South winds of 25 to 35 mph with local gusts to 50 mph are expected to develop tonight and continue through much of the day Tuesday.

A deeper low is expected to move north through the coastal waters late Monday night and Tuesday. Widespread damaging winds of 40 mph with gusts to 60 mph are possible with this second deeper system.

Precautionary/preparedness actions…

A Wind Advisory is issued when sustained winds of 30 to 39 mph or gusts of 45 to 57 mph are likely. Winds this strong can snap small tree branches… topple small or shallow-rooted trees… and cause local power outages.

A high wind watch means conditions are favorable for damaging winds. High winds can topple trees… down power lines… and damage some structures. People in the watch area should prepare for the possibility of power outages.

We haven’t seen one of these since July 29th, when the temps hit 104-degrees – an actual Weather Advisory – this time for quite the opposite: a cold/wet and “breezy” front to come in Saturday.

Consider yourselves warned, especially those of you planning on attending say, an outdoor wedding late Saturday afternoon:

… A cool and wet Labor Day weekend is expected across western Washington…

A cold front will move across western Washington on Saturday… bringing periods of rain… cooler… and breezy conditions. The front will be followed by an unseasonably cool and showery upper level trough Saturday night through Labor Day. Temperatures in The Lowlands Sunday and Labor Day will struggle to hit the lower 60s during the afternoon hours.

Snow levels in the mountains will be around 6000 feet Saturday night into Labor Day. Temperatures above 3500 feet will remain in
the 40s during the daytime hours. Cold temperatures will be accompanied by occasional showers and breezy conditions.

People planning travel into the mountains this weekend should be prepared for fall-like conditions. Dress warm and take rain gear. Hypothermia can occur with these expected conditions.

Need further evidence to get your rain coat out? Local celeb Meteorologist Cliff Mass talks about this weather event on his blog here.

Photo courtesy Gregory Rehmke.

The National Weather Service issued a “Special Weather Statement” Sunday afternoon about a strong, windy weather system that’s predicted to hit the area Monday night.

We’re no Cliff Mass, but one thing that struck us was the mention of the pressure in this storm, rated at 980 millibars. As comparison, Hurricane Katrina was rated at 920 mb (lower is stronger), and the Inauguration Day storm of 1993 was rated between 972-980 mb (for a great read on northwest storm systems, with info on pressures, click here).

While it’s a powerful system, since the storm will weaken as it pushes inland, wind speeds are predicted to be between 20-35 mph, with gusts up to 45. There could be downed trees and power outages though, so you may want to batten down all those flowers you worked on Sunday.

Here’s the statement:

Statement as of 3:51 PM PDT on May 03, 2009

… Very windy conditions are expected to develop in the western Washington lowlands Monday night and continue through Tuesday morning…

A developing storm system in the central Pacific is expected to deepen to around 980 mb as it moves through the Washington offshore waters toward northern Vancouver Island Monday and Monday night. A strong frontal system associated with this low will move through western Washington Monday night.

A storm and frontal system of this magnitude is more typical of late fall or winter than of early may.

At this point it appears that south winds of 20 to 35 mph with gusts to 45 mph will develop Monday night as the front moves through and continue through the early morning hours on Tuesday. Many deciduous trees are now leafing. So winds of this magnitude may break some large branches and possibly topple a few trees.

Local power outages are possible.

Late Sunday afternoon, the National Weather Service issued an “Air Stagnation Advisory,” which basically declares a burn ban – so even though it’s cold outside, don’t you dare start a fire in the fireplace!

Here’s the advisory:

…Air stagnation advisory remains in effect until 10 PM PST Tuesday…

Stagnant conditions will return overnight as winds across most of the interior lowlands of western Washington become light. A strong temperature inversion remains over most of western Washington tonight that is limiting mixing and is trapping stagnant air near the surface. The exception is the east Puget Sound lowlands where gusty east winds will maintain good mixing and ventilation. The stagnant conditions are expected to last into Tuesday night.

People in western Washington should be aware that bans on outdoor burning are possible. Be sure to check with your local pollution control agency. In the Seattle area you can contact the Puget Sound clean air agency or visit their website at www.Pscleanair.Org.

Precautionary/preparedness actions… do not burn trash and be aware of local regulations for burning. People with respiratory difficulties such as asthma may find that strenuous exercise outdoors in this increasingly stagnant air mass may worsen the condition.

According to Pscleanair.Org, here are the restrictions under a Stage 1 burn ban:

• No burning is allowed in fireplaces or uncertified wood stoves, unless this is your only adequate source of heat. Residents should rely instead on their home’s other, cleaner source of heat (such as their furnace or electric baseboard heaters) for a few days until air quality improves, the public health risk diminishes and the ban is cancelled.;
• Natural gas, propane and pellet stoves or inserts ARE allowed.
• No visible smoke is allowed from any wood stove or fireplace, certified or not, beyond a 20-minute start-up period.
• All outdoor burning is prohibited, even in areas where outdoor burning is not permanently banned. This includes recreational fires such as bonfires, campfires and the use of fire pits and chimineas. Burning of storm and flood damage debris is also prohibited. The Clean Air Agency encourages people to take advantage of free flood-debris disposal coordinated by their county.
• Burn ban violations are subject to a $1,000 penalty.

You can monitor air quality here: http://www.pscleanair.org/airq/aqi.aspx, including when the burn ban may be lifted.

Long story short: if you live in a valley, near a river or flood zone, or on a bluff above or near a slide zone, you’re SCREWED, as a major storm is moving in and the National Weather Service has issued THREE advisories:

1. Flood Watch (previously posted here)
2. Major Wind Advisory
3. “Special Weather Statement” on increased landslide danger

Here’s the Wind Advisory:

… Wind Advisory in effect until 10 am PST Wednesday…

The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued a Wind Advisory… which is in effect until 10 am PST Wednesday.

A strong storm which is bringing heavy rain to the mountains is also causing strong winds in the Seattle area. These winds will last off and on through the night and diminish Wednesday morning.

Precautionary/preparedness actions…

A Wind Advisory is issued when sustained winds of 30 to 39 mph or gusts of 45 to 57 mph are likely. Winds this strong can snap small tree branches… topple small or shallow-rooted trees… and cause local power outages.

And now, the “Special Weather Statement” regarding heavy rains and the potential for landslides:

… Heavy rain to dramatically increase risk for rainfall induced landslides…

Previous rainfall amounts have been around two to three inches in the Seattle area over the past 18 days. This has resulted in moderate levels of soil moisture around western Washington. Heavy rainfall of nearly two inches in 24 hours and over three inches in 48 hours is expected this afternoon through Wednesday night. This amount of rain will put extra pressure on soil instability leading to an increased risk of landslides in slide prone areas. A diminishing risk of landslides will continue for several days after the rain ends.

The slow melt of the snow that has fallen over the last couple of weeks has had an additional soil wetting effect. In areas outside of Seattle… storm total rainfall could be 3 to 8 inches in The Lowlands and 10 to 20 inches in the mountains. For these reasons the landslide risk is higher than the USGS charts would suggest.

The amount of rainfall forecast in 24 hours… on top of the cumulative rainfall over the last three weeks… will push western Washington soils to the point where they are above the USGS landslide index. When cumulative rainfall exceeds the USGS landslide cumulative threshold index… rainfall induced landslides are possible during intense rainfall or when rainfall amounts exceed two inches in 24 hours.

While the USGS rainfall thresholds were designed for the Seattle area of the Puget Sound… most of The Lowlands of western Washington are similarly susceptible to landslides caused by wet soils. Areas most susceptible to landslides under these conditions are steep coastal Bluffs and other steep hillsides.

For more information about current conditions… visit www.Weather.Gov/Seattle… select hydrology… and then scroll down for the link to the USGS landslide information Page.

If you need help, here’s some info that may come in handy:

• Sandbags are available for anyone in flood area – check this website here for details
• King County’s Flood Warning Center is operating; a recorded flood-information hotline is also updated each hour for citizens wanting information in flood areas:
  • Call 206-296-8200 or 1-800-945-9263
    
  • Citizens who need help interpreting flood information should call 206-296-4535 or 1-800-768-7932
• Problems on county-maintained roads can be reported by calling 206-296-8100 or 1-800-KC-ROADS

At 3:24pm Monday Jan. 5th, the National Weather Service issued the following Flood Watch Advisory:

… Flood Watch in effect from Tuesday evening through Friday afternoon…

Rain will fall over western Washington beginning Tuesday afternoon and continuing into Thursday. Rain will be heavy at times in the mountains… along the coast… and over the southwest interior and lower Chehalis valley. The Cascades and Olympics will get 5-10 inches with some southwest facing slopes 15-20 inches. Perhaps 6 inches will fall on the coast and SW interior. The Seattle area could see 4 inches over the two days and northern lowland areas will get an inch or two.

This sums to a real flood potential… both for river flooding and urban and small stream flooding. This flooding will be driven by heavy rain that has been consistently present in numerical models. Some flooding seems certain… and major flooding is possible on some rivers.

Precautionary/preparedness actions…

Monitor weather forecasts in case conditions change. If you live near a river… prepare for flooding now.

There are plenty of creeks and streams in the Burien area, so be sure to check for clear drains and clogs if you live or work near one.