Holiday forecast: Sun and traffic

Experts predict two things this holiday weekend: sunshine with temperatures into the 80s and hours of traffic delays.

First the good news. We should have clear skies for fireworks Saturday, according to Art Gabel, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Seattle.

The forecast is for highs in the 80s today, Friday and Saturday. On Friday, which will be our warmest day, temperatures could rise into the 90s in some locations, Gabel said.

Things will cool off a bit Sunday, when temperatures will peak in the upper 60s to low 70s, Gabel predicted.

Our long holiday from Seattle's infamous drizzle can be credited to high-pressure systems that are keeping storms to the north of us, he said.

"We don't expect clouds to move into the Puget Sound area until after midnight Saturday," he said.

Too bad the traffic won't be as nice as the weather.

As masses of people head for holiday activities away from home, freeway traffic will be heavier than usual, much heavier at certain times and locations.

The Washington state Department of Transportation (WSDOT) expects traffic on Interstate 5 past Olympia and near the Canadian border will be heaviest Friday and Sunday afternoons, while traffic on Interstate 90 will be at its worst this afternoon, Friday morning and Sunday afternoon. And wait times at ferry docks will be longer than usual.

WSDOT has more specific information about predicted congestion on its Web site: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Congestion/IndependenceDay/.

"We're asking people to be prepared to handle traffic and expect congestion," said WSDOT spokeswoman Alice Finman.

"Because if your car breaks down it could be dangerous for yourself and other people on the road."

Preparations for long traffic jams can range from doing maintenance on your vehicle before the trip — checking brakes, the engine and air conditioning — to anticipating bathroom breaks for children, suggested Freddy Williams, a spokesman for the Washington State Patrol.

Stop-and-go traffic on the highways tends to also have a negative effect on the people inside the vehicle.

If stuck in traffic, there are ways to keep cool inside the vehicle.

"Playing a game keeps everyone's mind off the fact you're stuck in hot, miserable traffic," Williams said.

He suggested being prepared with stories or games to keep children occupied.

Armando Montaño: 206-464-2347 or amontano@seattletimes.com