Record Temperatures Expected

Meteorologists are predicting potentially record-breaking lake temperatures this summer for Seattle's major lakes. This forecast comes after analyzing climate patterns and recent warming trends.

Lake Washington's all-time high surface temperature was recorded in August 2015 at 83°F, while Lake Sammamish reached 85°F that same month. Lake Union's record stands at 81°F.

According to climate scientists at the University of Washington, we may see these records challenged or broken this summer due to several factors:

• Early snowmelt in the Cascades
• Higher than average spring temperatures
• Projected heat waves in July and August
• Reduced cloud cover compared to previous summers

What This Means For Lake Users

The warmer temperatures will have several implications for those who enjoy Seattle's lakes:

Swimming Season

Expect comfortable swimming temperatures to arrive earlier and last longer this year. Lake Washington could reach the 70°F mark by late May instead of the usual mid-June timeframe.

Ecosystem Impact

Higher water temperatures can affect oxygen levels and potentially lead to algae blooms. This may impact fish and other aquatic life in the lakes.

Water Quality

Monitoring agencies will be increasing their testing frequency to ensure water quality remains safe for recreational use.

Using the Seattle Lakes App

Our app will be an essential tool this summer for monitoring these record temperatures. Users can:

• Track daily temperature changes
• Compare current temperatures to historical records
• Receive notifications when temperatures approach record levels
• View temperature trends over time

We'll be updating our app with enhanced features to help users make the most of what could be a record-breaking summer for Seattle's lakes.