Gig Harbor Weekend Heat Wave: Temps In The 90s Expected By Sunday

GIG HARBOR, WA — Folks, we're headed for some heat.

Western Washington is poised to welcome the hottest weekend of the year, with a chance that temperatures in some areas could land in the record books.

Friday looks to be sunny, clear and pleasant throughout the region, setting the table for a "rapid warm-up" building up heat Saturday and turning into a full-fledged scorcher on Sunday, when afternoon highs are expected to reach the 90s in most inland areas. According to the National Weather Service, the hottest temperatures are likely in the Cascade valleys and foothills and lowland areas south of Olympia.

An excessive heat watch will be in effect for communities across Puget Sound between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. Sunday.

In Gig Harbor, the latest forecast shows afternoon highs at 94 degrees, but the heat could be pushed a few notches higher thanks to easterly winds. The Seattle Weather Blog puts even odds on the Emerald City landing among the hottest days on record, which would need a high temperature of 98 degrees or above.

The unusually hot weather brings with it higher risks for wildfires, and safety concerns for kids, pets and the elderly. The National Weather Service reminds everyone to stay hydrated, dress for the heat, limit time spent outdoors and obey local burn bans.

Sunny weather is expected to stick around Monday, but temperatures should dip back into the low 80s.