Seattle: Stay Cool During Warm Weather
City of Seattle Issues Guidance for Staying Cool in Warm Weather
Stay cool this weekend, Seattle!
“This upcoming week, we’re reopening many City facilities for individuals to stay cool, but many of our City’s indoor spaces remain closed or at reduced capacity due to state and local Public Health mandates,” said Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan. “As a reminder, drink plenty of water, reduce strenuous outdoor activities, check on neighbors and those at risk for heat-related illness, and don’t leave any pets in the car.”
Quick tips
Drink plenty of water. Have a beverage with you at all times, and sip or drink frequently. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
Reduce, eliminate, or re-schedule strenuous outdoor activities without air conditioning if you can. If you normally exercise outdoors – as recommended – exercise either in the early morning or late evening hours.
Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol and large amounts of sugar, which can dehydrate your body.
Never leave infants or children in vehicles unattended – even with the windows rolled down.
Pets are especially vulnerable in high heat. don’t leave your animal in direct sunlight, provide a shady area for retreat, provide access to cool water, don’t overexert them in hot weather, for smaller furred pets: provide cool snacks like cucumber, melon, or watery vegetables. Frozen water bottles can be something cool for all animals to lie next to or near.
Where to Cool Down
Seattle Center
Seattle Center Armory will reopen to the public on July 1 and is equipped with air conditioning and filtration. View the campus map PDF.
Libraries
The following libraries offer air conditioned public space and can be used as a place to cool off when outdoor temperatures are high. The Central Library and several neighborhood branches are reopening this week during peak hours. Libraries remain at a reduced 50% building capacity due to state health mandates until June 30. Masks are still required regardless of vaccination status, and physical distancing remains in place. Please be sure to check Library hours online at SPL.org, or by calling our Ask Us line at 206-386-4636, before visiting.
Ballard Branch
Status: Reopened
Hours: Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays
Beacon Hill Branch
Status: Reopened
Hours: Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays
Broadview Branch
Status: Reopened
Hours: Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays
Central Library
Status: Reopening Levels 1, 3 and 5 on Tuesday, June 22
Hours: Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays
Delridge Branch
Status: Reopening Wednesday, June 23
Hours: Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays
Douglass-Truth Branch
Status: Reopened
Hours: Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays
Greenwood Branch
Status: Reopening Wednesday, June 23
Hours: Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays; noon to 6 p.m. Sundays
High Point Branch
Status: Reopening Wednesday, June 23
Hours: Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays; noon to 6 p.m. Sundays
International District/Chinatown Branch
Status: Reopening Sunday, June 27
Hours: Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays; noon to 6 p.m. Sundays
Lake City Branch
Status: Reopened
Hours: Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays
Magnolia Branch
Status: Reopening Wednesday, June 23
Hours: Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays; noon to 6 p.m. Sundays
Rainier Beach Branch
Status: Reopened
Hours: Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays
South Park Branch
Status: Reopening Thursday, June 24
Hours: Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays
Pools and Water Areas
Wading pools will open to the public on the schedule below and spray parks will open to the public on Saturday, June 26.
Wading pools (starting Saturday, June 26, noon-7pm unless otherwise listed)
Volunteer, 1400 E Galer St, Sat/Sun/Mon/Tues
East Queen Anne, 160 Howe St., Thurs/Fri/Sat/Sun
Powell Barnett, 352 Martin Luther King Way, Thurs/Fri/Sat/Sun
Dahl, 7700 25th Ave. NE, Sat/Sun/Mon/Tues
Soundview, 1590 NW 90th St., Sat/Sun/Mon/Tues
Bitter Lake 13035 Linden Ave. N, Thurs/Fri/Sat/Sun
Green Lake (opens 7/2), N 73rd and E Green Lake Dr. N, Thurs/Fri/Sat/Sun
Van Asselt, 2820 S Myrtle St., Thurs/Fri/Sat/Sun
Delridge, 4501 Delridge Way SW, (12pm to 5:30pm), Sat/Sun/Mon/Tues
South Park, 8319 8th Ave. S, Sat/Sun/Mon/Tues
Lincoln, 8600 Fauntleroy Ave. SW, Thurs/Fri/Sat/Sun
Spray Parks (starting Saturday, June 26, 11am-8pm everyday)
Beacon Mountain at Jefferson Park, 3901 Beacon Ave. S
John C. Little, 6961 37th Ave. S
Lower Judkins, 2150 S Norman St.
Georgetown Playfield, 750 S Homer St.
Highland Park, 1100 SW Cloverdale
Lake Union Park, 860 Terry Ave. N
Miller Community Center, 330 19th Ave. E
Northacres Park, 12800 1st Ave. NE
Yesler Terrace Park , 917 Yesler Way
Lifeguarded Beaches (starting Saturday, June 26, noon to 7 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays):
Matthews, 9300 51st Ave. NE through September 5
Madison, 1900 43rd Ave. E through September 5
Mt. Baker, 2301 Lake Washington Blvd. S through September 5
Seward, 5902 Lake Washington Blvd. S through September 5
West Green Lake, 7312 W Green Lake Dr. through September 5
Magnuson, park entrance at NE 65th and Sand Point Way NE through August 28
Madrona, 853 Lake Washington Blvd. through August 28
Pritchard Beach, 8400 55th S through August 28
Outdoor Pools
“Pop” Mounger Pool, 2535 32nd W, daily, 9 a.m. to 5: 30 p.m., visit here for public swim times.
Colman Pool, 8603 Fauntleroy Way SW, daily, noon to 7 p.m., visit here for public swim times.
Additional Resources
Tips from Public Health – Seattle & King County
Tips from Seattle Fire Department
Seattle Center Armory Food & Event Hall, opening July 1, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
International Fountain, opens July 1, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Fountain of Creation (Dupen Fountain), closed for renovation
Human Services Department
In accordance with its inclement weather planning, the Human Services Department will continue to monitor forecasts over the coming days to determine if additional measures are necessary.
Supporting Unhoused Neighbors
To support those living unsheltered, the HOPE Team, in partnership with outreach providers, will be conducting welfare checks, handing out water, and providing other supports, including referrals to shelter, over the coming days. The City does have some limited availability of 24/7 enhanced shelter, tiny homes, and other shelter spaces.
Those who are unhoused will face higher risks of dehydration and heat stroke during the heat wave. Outreach partners are very helpful for supporting the unhoused but there may be gaps in access. This is where community member can help support our neighbors. How you can help:
Check in: ask how you can support
Freeze water bottles to hand out (can be used for cooling and drinking)
Provide brimmed hats to keep the sun off their face and eyes
Provide sunscreen to protect the skin
Call 9-1-1 if someone needs immediate help due to dehydration or heat stroke