Seattle Sees Warmest February Day on Record

Unseasonably warm temperatures hit the Pacific Northwest, breaking a 50-year-old record.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Seattle residents are enjoying an unexpected heat wave, with temperatures reaching a record-breaking 72 degrees Fahrenheit on Tuesday, February 24th. This marks the warmest February day in the city's history, surpassing the previous record of 70 degrees set in 1976.

Why it matters

The unseasonably warm weather is a stark reminder of the impacts of climate change, as the Pacific Northwest grapples with more frequent and intense temperature fluctuations. While some may enjoy the brief respite from winter, the long-term consequences of these weather patterns could be severe for the region's ecosystems and agriculture.

The details

The National Weather Service confirmed that the temperature reached 72 degrees Fahrenheit at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Tuesday afternoon, breaking the previous record high for the date. Residents flocked to parks and beaches to soak up the unexpected sunshine, with many commenting on social media about the rare February heat wave.

  • The previous record high for February 24th in Seattle was 70 degrees, set in 1976.
  • The record-breaking temperature of 72 degrees was recorded on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and monitoring in the United States.

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What they’re saying

“I can't believe it's this warm in February! I'm going to soak up as much of this sunshine as I can before winter comes back.”

— Sarah Johnson, Seattle resident (Twitter)

What’s next

Meteorologists will continue to monitor the weather patterns in the region to determine if this heat wave is an isolated incident or part of a larger trend of rising temperatures in the Pacific Northwest.

The takeaway

The record-breaking temperatures in Seattle serve as a stark reminder of the impacts of climate change, underscoring the need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate and adapt to these environmental shifts in the years to come.