The National Weather Service in Seattle posted this stunning dawn photo about three hours ago.
With this unwelcome message:
“Dawn at NWS Seattle on what is expected to be the 40th day of 80 degrees or higher in Seattle this year.
“There have only been 7 years in the past 121 with 40 or more days this warm in Seattle. We’re still well ahead of last year’s pace in which we had 45. The all-time record is 47 set back in the summer of 1958.
About three hours later the city of Seattle announced a further stage in water restrictions: voluntary reductions.
Together with Tacoma and Everett, “the three cities are working together to manage water supplies for people and fish during the drought and higher-than-normal water use. They are asking customers for their help by voluntarily reducing their water use by 10 percent starting today.”
According to a press release from the Seattle Public Utilities: “Seattle customers know it is important to manage their water use during these dry conditions,’ said Seatte Mayor Ed Murray. ‘Today we are asking residents and businesses to continue to reduce water use both indoors and outdoors.'”
Today’s forecast tops out at 88 degrees in Maple Leaf this afternoon, but Cliff Mass has a post suggesting it will be hotter.
This summer, I have gotten a number of complaints about the poor quality of our local forecasts.
Several of you have suggested that the weather is often much better (generally warmer) than predicted by the National Weather Service and several media outlets.
I have to admit, I had noticed the same thing. My calibration as a long-term forecaster seemed to be off.
His post giving reasons for this is here, and notes: “During June through early August the Weather Service was too low almost every day (by roughly 3-4F).”
There’s more on saving water here.
