The granite crags near Leavenworth are drying out and climbers are making their move. Robin Henderson was on the rock Friday, May 1, working crack routes on sun-warmed granite under partly cloudy skies. (Photo: Robin Henderson)
WASHINGTON — A classic spring split is setting up across Washington this weekend, giving outdoor enthusiasts a near-perfect Sunday but also prompting a seasonal hot car safety warning from the Washington State Patrol.
After a cloudy start to the day for part of the state Saturday, by Sunday much of the state will warm significantly.
“Since 1998, vehicular heatstroke has killed more than 1,000 children,” the WSP release said Friday. “On average, one child dies from heatstroke every 10 days in the United States from being left in a car or getting into an unlocked vehicle.”
Inland areas such as the Tri-Cities will be in the lower 80’s under clear skies all weekend. However, coastal communities will see a very different story, with steady rain and gusty winds expected.
WSP Warns of Rising Temperatures and Hidden Dangers
As temperatures climb, the Washington State Patrol is urging families to remain vigilant about a lesser-known but deadly risk: hot cars.
“While hot car deaths can happen in any month, there is typically an increase from May through September,” officials said.
Officials the Washington State Patrol emphasize hot car safety because vehicular heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash, vehicle-related deaths for children 14 and younger in the United States.
“Internal vehicle temperatures can quickly rise to 50 degrees warmer than outside temperatures,” officials warned. “Because a child’s body temperature increases 3 to 5 times faster than an adult’s, even a cool day outside may still pose a threat to a child.”
Since 1998, more than 1,000 children have died nationwide from heatstroke in vehicles, with incidents typically increasing between May and September. Authorities urge a simple routine: check the back seat every time, never leave a child unattended in a vehicle and always lock the car.
- Check the entire vehicle, especially the back seat, every time you park
- Never leave a child in a vehicle unattended, even for one minute
- Always lock the car and put keys out of reach
- Teach children that vehicles are not playgrounds
Weekend Outlook Looking Great for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Saturday will start gray in many lowland areas, including the Puget Sound region, before partial clearing by afternoon. Highs will reach the low-to-mid 70s, with only a slight chance of showers.
A perfect day for anglers hoping for an early morning kokanee on Lake Samish.
Conditions improve dramatically Sunday for those that love warm weather. Forecasters expect full sun across much of Western Washington, with temperatures climbing to around 80 degrees in the region. Ideal for hiking, cycling and lake outings.
In the Cascades, Saturday brings partly sunny skies and a slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms near the crest. By Sunday, mountain conditions turn favorable, with clear skies and freezing levels rising to roughly 11,000 feet — opening up higher-elevation recreation.
Eastern Washington will remain consistently warm and dry both days. Spokane is expected to stay in the low 70s, while the Tri-Cities area will reach the low 80s under mostly clear skies.
Coast Diverges Sunday
While inland conditions improve, coastal Washington will trend in the opposite direction. Saturday will feature patchy fog and some sun, with highs in the low 50s.
By Sunday, a strong system moves in, bringing near-certain rain, temperatures in the mid-40s and wind gusts up to 25 mph. That split pattern means travelers heading west for beach trips should plan for significantly different conditions than those staying inland.
Outdoor Activity Ramps Up
The improving weather comes as Washington’s outdoor season accelerates following last weekend’s lowland lake opener.
At Lake Padden, anglers reported steady success this week using jigging spoons after trolling proved less effective. Fishing activity remained consistent through the afternoon, though the bite slowed during peak heat.
Lake Padden: 1.52 fish kept per angler
Toad Lake: 2.08 fish kept per angler
Heart Lake (Skagit County): 4.54 fish kept per angler
Kokanee fishing is also improving region-wide, with anglers reporting the best success early in the morning near transitional depth zones.
Check out this week’s Outdoor Report for more details.
Early Mornings Still Key
Despite warming temperatures, the most productive fishing windows remain early in the day. Anglers across multiple lakes report the strongest bite between first light and mid-morning, with activity tapering as temperatures rise and pressure increases.
“Once it warmed up a little, the bite improved,” one regional observer noted, adding that overall catch rates have been strong.
Skagit Spring Chinook Underway
Area: Highway 536 Bridge in Mount Vernon upstream to Gilligan Creek
Limit: Two hatchery Chinook per day, minimum 12 inches
Rules: Wild Chinook and all other species must be released
The fishery is based on projected hatchery returns to the Marblemount facility.
A Strong Start to the Season
With stable weather patterns developing and additional fish stocking planned, outdoor conditions across Washington are expected to continue improving through May. For many, that means early mornings, full lakes and — at least on Sunday — near-perfect spring weather.
Things to Do in the PNW This Weekend
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