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Ahead: Temps in the 90s, then a pleasant Fourth of July

Expect progressively warmer weather over the weekend and through Tuesday, says KPLU weather expert Cliff Mass.

Mass, a professor of atmospheric sciences at the University of Washington, says the heat wave hitting the western U.S. is heading our way. He expects highs around 90 on Monday and Tuesday from Seattle to Bellingham, and temperatures in the lower 90s in the south Sound.

The cause of the spike, says Mass, is an area of high pressure to the east of Washington slowly moving toward the coast and expanding northward. 

"And so, during the weekend, as the ridge builds and moves westward, we're going to get warmer and warmer every day," he said.

Monday is the only day there might be a chance of breaking a record for temperature, Mass says. Seattle's record for that day is 87 degrees.

As marine air moves in, Wednesday and Thursday will be cooler with a slight chance of thunderstorms. But Mass predicts it will settle down in time for the Fourth of July. 

“I think the temperatures will be sliding down by the time we get to the Fourth. We may have some low clouds, but actually, July Fourth looks pretty good," he said. 

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Do you have a weather question? Cliff Mass and Keith Seinfeld occasionally answer reader questions on the air. Share yours here.

The weekly KPLU feature "Weather with Cliff Mass" airs every Friday at 9 a.m. immediately following BirdNote, and twice on Friday afternoons during All Things Considered. The feature is hosted by KPLU Science and Health reporter Keith Seinfeld. Cliff Mass is a University of Washington Professor of Atmospheric Sciences, a renowned Seattle weather prognosticator, and a popular weather blogger. You can also subscribe to a podcast of “Weather with Cliff Mass”shows.

Bellamy Pailthorp covers the environment for KNKX with an emphasis on climate justice, human health and food sovereignty. She enjoys reporting about how we will power our future while maintaining healthy cultures and livable cities. Story tips can be sent to bpailthorp@knkx.org.