July 2022 heat wave sets new PNW records

Another year, another heat wave, and another round of broken records. The Seattle area has set a new record for the most consecutive days with temps over 90 degrees — six days.

The previous record was for five days, set in July 2015 and August 1981. And it's the fifth time Seattle has recorded 95 degree weather three days in a row, according to the National Weather Service.

Seattle hit a high of 95 degrees Sunday, overtaking the previous record for July 31 — 94 degrees set in 2015.

The high temperature for Monday, Aug. 1 is expected to be in the 80s, with things cooling down into the 70s over the week.

Portland set a similar record for seven days in a row above 95 degrees. The previous record was set in 1981.

The National Weather Service has removed its excessive heat warning for the Puget Sound region. A warning remains in effect for much of Eastern Washington, where temperatures could rise into the triple digits yet again.

Heat vs health

Dr. Janna Friedly runs UW Medicine's post Covid rehab and recovery clinic and says the heat has been especially hard on those with long Covid.

Dr. Friedly is concerned about how climate change will affect everyone else's health in the years ahead.

"This, I think, is a warning that we need to really take seriously the effects of climate and understand how that impacts the development of new viral illnesses that may crop up," Friedly said.

Dr. Friedly added that long Covid patients had to deal with worsening fatigue, heart palpitations, and breathing issues during 2022's late July heat wave.