Summer Finally Starts in the Snoqualmie Valley with a Weekend Heat Advisory

Welcome to the weekend. Western Washington will be under a Heat Advisory effective Saturday from noon until 11 pm Monday.

Saturday’s high will be in the upper 80’s. On Sunday and Monday, the Snoqualmie Valley’s highs will be in the mid to low 90s. We’ll have a slight breeze, so that should help a little. The lows will be in the low 60’s starting Saturday night.

Heat Advisory shaded in orange

As for the extended forecast, the temps will drop a lot after Monday’s heat wave. There’s a slight chance of a few raindrops on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The temps after that will be back into the mid-70s to possibly low 80s. There are no big rainmakers in the far-out extended forecast, so maybe our Summer has finally started.

Rivers Running Fast and Cold Despite Warmer Outdoor Temps

Warmer temperatures are here – with the Heat Advisory from the National Weather Service in effect from June 25-27 – but rivers are still running very fast and cold.

This is due to lingering snow melt from low temperatures this past spring. As mountain snowpack melts, area rivers become high and swift, making both staying in control and hypothermia real risks.

A strong swimmer can become quickly incapacitated from cold-water shock. Swimmers need to understand the speed and power of moving water can be deceiving from the shore. Add that to a strong current, and the results can be deadly.

In addition, there is a strong undertow in many areas, including logs and rocks that are not visible, causing a danger of tripping and becoming trapped. Known hazards in the Snoqualmie River are posted on the King County website.

Review Safety Measures with Children and Teens

Know the river conditions, even when wading. If you don’t know the area, don’t go in.
Never jump or dive into unfamiliar water.
Do not swim at dusk or night.
Wear a lifejacket or personal flotation device.

Lifejacket Laws
Washington state law requires children ages 12 years and younger to wear a Coast Guard-approved lifejacket or vest on vessels less than 19 feet long, including inner tubes. Sources of affordable lifejackets are posted on the King County website.

Safety Tips for Boating and Tubing

Always tell someone your route and when and where you expect to put in and take out.
Never float the river alone and, if possible, make sure there is at least one oared craft in your group in case a rescue is needed.
Drink lots of water to avoid heat stroke.
Bring a dry bag with food, water, and warm clothes.
Have a backup plan for emergency contact in case your trip is cut short by an unforeseen obstacle or emergency.