Seattle summer returns with weekend heat wave

The big picture: An upper-level ridge is settling over the Pacific Northwest, locking in warm, dry weather through the start of next week, Steve Reedy of the National Weather Service Seattle tells Axios.

• Peak heat is expected to hit Friday with highs of 85°–88° in the metro area and 86°–91° on Saturday, per Reedy.
• Overnight lows of 60°–64° will limit relief and raise the heat risk to moderate in most areas with several major risk spots, he said.

Context: Despite a few spikes into the 90s, this summer has been mild compared to some recent years, which saw punishing stretches of extreme heat, says NWS meteorologist Kayla Mazurkiewicz.

What's next: Temperatures will cool off slightly mid-week before another bout of warm weather, says Reedy, but unlike this one, the next will be slightly tempered by cooler ocean air.