Wednesday's high was hotter than Tuesday's high and ahead of Burlington Airport's 97 degrees. The Anacortes Fire Department records official temperatures for the Weather Service at their downtown fire station on 13th St. The average high for July and August in Anacortes is 72 degrees.
People all across town were trying to cope with the heat. The City and the Red Cross jointly announced that the Senior Center and the City Library were available as cooling stations. A check at the Senior Center indicated no one showed up to cool off, but the usual contingent of Senior Centers were moved into the one air-conditioned main room.
The Fire Department reported no unusual heat-related emergencies that a spokesperson said they had expected.
Local weather guru Vince Streano said he fully expects the string of above-80 degree says in Anacortes will continue a bit longer. But, he said that's not a record here. He found, in looking at records, that Anacortes went through a string of 21 continuous days of 80 and above degrees back in July of 1958.
Watch for cooler temps starting Thursday. The official Weather Service forecast: Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming west southwest around 6 mph. Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 74. Southwest wind between 7 and 13 mph.
Other nearby temperatures:
- Sea-Tac - 103
- Seattle/Sandpoint - 102
- Burlington - 97
- Bellingham - 96
- Friday Harbor - 97
- Whidbey NAS - 79