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

  • 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

Previous
Previous

Hanging out with our new BFF: a Q&A with Beacon Food Forest’s Cherry Lui

Next
Next

Rainier Valley Food Bank Acquires New Building to Expand Community Services