Where to find cooling centers, beat the heat in the Puget Sound area
Aug 11, 2021, 3:07 PM
Mellena O'Brien, 4, plays in the Yesler Terrace Spray Park during a heat wave in June 2021 in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
(AP Photo/John Froschauer)
While the Seattle area is not expected to see temperatures as hot this week as those at the end of June, there is an excessive heat watch in place now through the weekend.
Could Seattle area heat wave this week be its last of the summer?
Seattle has a map of cooling centers that will be open here. Find a list of cooling stations in Snohomish County here. For those in Kitsap County, there are currently 14 cooling sites listed here.
Highs in the mid-90s in the Seattle area are expected Thursday and Friday, with “low 100s possible in the warmest locations,” the NWS predicts. Friday appears to be the most likely day for Seattle’s record for that date to fall (92 degrees, set in 2002), with the forecast calling for a high of 95 degrees.
Temperatures will then start to descend into the low 90s on Saturday, and back into the 80s by Sunday.
To help locals beat the heat, the city of Seattle will have cooling centers and air conditioned buildings — like libraries and recreation centers — open across the city. Anyone visiting a cooling center should wear a mask and maintain distance from others. Outreach teams are also on the ground to work with the most vulnerable residents and help prevent heat-related illnesses.
Public Health — Seattle & King County recommends taking a few simple steps to prevent illness during the warm days, including: drinking plenty of water; keeping your home cooler by shutting blinds or drawing curtains; using fans or air conditioners; and avoiding outdoor activities in the heat of the day, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Seattle area scores clear skies for viewing Perseid Meteor Shower
Health officials also recommend checking on your neighbors, friends, and family in the area. Those who are especially vulnerable to heat-related illness include infants, young children, older adults, anyone with pre-existing or chronic medical conditions, people with limited mobility, and pregnant women. As a reminder for everyone, local officials say never to leave children or pets in a vehicle.
If you’re out on the water to cool off in the coming days, don’t forget a life jacket or floatation device.
