Cooling Centers Open This Weekend In Sammamish And Issaquah

SAMMAMISH, WA — Sammamish and Issaquah are joining cities across the region in opening cooling stations and other options for families looking to escape the summer heat. An excessive heat warning will go into effect Friday afternoon, as a potentially historic heat wave bears down on Puget Sound.

The latest forecasts show Issaquah's afternoon temperatures breaking 100 Saturday, Sunday and Monday, with a projected high of 108 degrees Sunday. Sammamish is facing a similar scenario, with a high of 105 expected Sunday. The National Weather Service's HeatRisk map shows a large swath of the Eastside under a "very high" risk over the weekend, due to the prolonged temperatures and little relief overnight.

---

Related: Excessive Heat Warning Begins Friday In Sammamish And Issaquah

---

In Washington, where most homes are unequipped with air conditioning, staying cool and avoiding heat-related illnesses can be especially challenging. To help alleviate some of the strain, officials in both cities have assembled a few options to cool down, aside from local beaches and pools.

Sammamish

• Sammamish City Hall will open its lobby to serve as a cooling station between Sunday and Wednesday. Officials said seating, restrooms and water would be available inside, and visitors are asked to wear face coverings and maintain physical distance.
  • Sunday: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.
  • Monday - Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• The Sammamish YMCA will open one of its community rooms to operate as a community cooling station during normal business hours, including coolers stocked with bottled water.
  • Location: 831 228th Ave SE
  • Learn more.
• Sammamish Presbyterian Church
  • Sunday and Monday: 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• Families can also check out the recently reopened splash park at Sammamish Commons, which runs in cycles every day between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.
• City officials also recommend visiting area malls, Snoqualmie Casino, or local movie theaters for a reprieve from the peak heat.

Issaquah

• The Issaquah Community Center will be open on Saturday and Sunday for anyone who needs a cool place to escape the heat.
  • Hours: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. (June 26 & June 27)
• Learn more.

Here are a few more ways to stay safe in the heat:

• Never leave people or pets in a closed, parked vehicle during hot weather, even for a short time
• Drink plenty of fluids but avoid drinks with caffeine or a lot of sugar
• Plan strenuous outdoor activity for early morning or evening when the temperature is lower
• Take frequent breaks when working outside
• Wear sunblock, hats and light-colored, loose-fitting clothes
• Stay indoors in air conditioning as much as possible
• Check frequently on the elderly and those who are ill or may need help
• Check with a doctor about the effects of sun and heat when taking prescription drugs, especially diuretics or antihistamines
• At first signs of heat illness – dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps – move to a cooler place, rest a few minutes, then slowly drink a cool beverage, and seek medical attention immediately if conditions do not improve