Many rejoice as cloudy skies push temperatures into the 60s

Published 10:53 am Wednesday, August 12, 2009

EVERETT — People who visit Legion Park on summer afternoons often get out of their vehicles and walk around, sometimes sitting on the lawn or on benches in the sun.

About 4 p.m. Monday, everyone was sitting in their cars, shielded from the coolness and gray skies.

After the record-setting heat wave of two weeks ago, with thermometer readings in some spots over 100 degrees, most didn’t mind the lower temperatures. As of 6 p.m. Monday, the high temperature for the day was 69.

“It’s kind of refreshing,” said Harley Gilbert, 22, of Everett.

“That summer-rain smell is really nice,” said Kara Smonson, 26, sitting in a pickup truck with Gilbert.

Gilbert said he thinks the area will have another stretch of sunny weather this summer, and according to the National Weather Service, he’s right.

The forecast is for a few more days of highs in the 60s and a chance of rain through Thursday. Then, the clouds will begin to part on Friday for some partly sunny skies and temperatures in the 70s over the weekend, said Johnny Burg, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Seattle.

“Summer won’t be over,” he said. The forecast for eight to 14 days out predicts above-average temperatures and below-average rainfall, he said.

Still, it’s not expected to get as hot as it did the last week in July.

After the upcoming warm period, the Weather Service predicts roughly average temperatures.

“It’s going to be warm this month but in September and October it might start to even out a little bit,” Burg said.

Following the recent blistering temperatures, others at Legion Park on Monday were in no hurry to have it warm up again.

“I’m used to this,” said Jesus Torrez, 57, of Smokey Point. “If it gets over 75 or 80, I’m done for.”

Bill Sheets: 425-339-3439, sheets@heraldnet.com.