With only eight days all year to hit warmer temperatures in the 60s, the first 80-degree day arrived at the end of April, breaking the icy grip of La Niña.
After celebrating a normal winter snowpack, last weekend’s sudden record-breaking heat wave brought summertime early for western Washington.

With only four days of record-shattering heat of around 90 degrees, the waters of Puget Sound, Lake Washington, Lake Tapps and many other local rivers are calling for residents to cool down. But wait! The average water temperature in Puget Sound this time of year is around 49 degrees Fahrenheit. All our local water temperatures are currently only 49 to 54 degrees. The cold current of the Pacific Ocean and the snow melting from the mountains, streaming into rivers and lakes, maintain water that is still very cold.

When your body hits frigid water, “cold water shock” can cause dangerous changes in heart rate and blood pressure. A sudden gasp and rapid
breathing create a greater risk of drowning, even for confident swimmers.
Your body tries to hold your core heat by decreasing blood flow to your
arms and legs, resulting in a loss of movement.

Unless a life jacket is being worn, the ability to stay afloat is next to impossible. That can make you dead in the water because you are experiencing cold water shock. We've got to watch out for each other around these cold waters of the West Coast this spring. Wear a life jacket and be patient until our waters warm up. Then there should be at least three months ahead of us to enjoy some sunny, warm weather!