Forecast - hot but getting cooler

Today’s going to be hot again, but it's already cooler than expected this morning, says KPLU weather expert Cliff Mass.

“We had some marine air that pushed up the coast, clouds have inundated the coastal areas. So if you're on the coast it's going to be cooler," he says. "And here in the interior we're starting cooler: five to ten degrees in some places. But the trouble is this cool marine air is very thin."

He says that cool marine layer will burn off fast, yielding to hot temps aloft. So today he expects highs of high 80s to 90 closer to the coast. And away from the water, perhaps the low 90s.

"So one more warm day. Then tomorrow a step down. Today's the hottest day."

There's a chance of thunderstorms Saturday afternoon, which could have a big impact on the wildfires in Cle Elum and Thorp. The danger is the chance of lighting without rain.

Early next week, Mass says, we'll be back to classic mild Seattle weather, with morning clouds and highs in the mid-70s.

Also, Cliff will be giving a talk on Orcas Island on Wednesday, August 29th:Global Warming, Separating Truth from Hype at 5:30 at the Orcas Center Madrona Room.

You can read more about all of this on his blog.