Weather

Here's Where To Cool Off Around King County On Monday

Monday is shaping up to be another historic weather day, with temperatures forecast as high as 116 degrees. Here's how to escape the heat.

Ruby Gawlik, from left, Angela Tsai, Sage Leibenson and Jon Tsubota take to the water of Lake Union in the morning during a heat wave hitting the Pacific Northwest, Sunday, June 27, 2021, in Seattle.
Ruby Gawlik, from left, Angela Tsai, Sage Leibenson and Jon Tsubota take to the water of Lake Union in the morning during a heat wave hitting the Pacific Northwest, Sunday, June 27, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

KING COUNTY, WA — Monday is on track to be the hottest day ever recorded across King County, as a historic, three-day run of excessive heat reaches its pinnacle. On the Eastside, most cities were already near the 100-degree mark by 9:30 a.m., and temperatures were forecast to soar to previously unseen heights by the afternoon.

Due to increasing fire danger, a red flag warning will be in effect until 8 p.m. Monday, and Western Washington remains under an excessive heat warning until Tuesday night.

With a large swath of Puget Sound classified in the "very high risk" category for extreme temperatures, cities across King County have added extra options to cool down and stay safe until the unforgiving heat peaks.

For pets, an animal shelter will operate at the Enumclaw Expo Center's South Parking Lot Monday and Tuesday, providing a large air-conditioned space for furry friends. The temporary heat shelter is staffed by the Washington State Animal Response Team and King County Search and Rescue volunteers.

Here are a few places to go for relief Monday, June 28:

King County Library System

  • King County libraries are typically closed on Monday, but several are open on June 28 to provide more space for residents to cool off. Participating branches include libraries in Issaquah, Woodinville, Carnation, Auburn, Fairwood, Fall City, Skyway, Tukwila, Vashon Island and Woodmont.

Bellevue

  • Crossroads Community Center
    • Monday: 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.
  • North Bellevue Community Center
    • Monday: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
  • Lifeguards staffed at Entai Beach, Meydenbauer Bay and Newcastle Beach from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
  • Learn more

Issaquah

  • Issaquah Senior Center
    • Monday: 8:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
  • Issaquah Library
    • Monday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Learn more

Kirkland

  • Peter Kirk Community Center
    • Monday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
    • Leashed dogs and crated cats allowed.
  • Kirkland City Hall
    • Monday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
    • Air-conditioned cooling centers, restrooms, seating, tables and water
  • Holy Family Catholic Church (South Rose Hill)
    • Monday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
    • Questions? Call 425-822-0295
  • Lifeguards staffed at Houghton Beach, Waverly Beach and Juanita Beach.
  • Learn more

Redmond

  • Redmond City Hall (15670 NE 85th St.)
    • Monday: 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.
    • Tuesday: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.
    • Wear a face covering unless fully vaccinated. Bring your refillable water bottle.
  • MAPS Redmond (17550 NE 67th Ct)
    • Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
    • Open to everyone
    • Water, juice, and light snacks provided.
  • Splash pads (9 a.m. - 8 p.m.)
    • Redmond Downtown Park
    • Redmond Grass Lawn Park
    • Redmond Town Center
  • Learn more

Renton

  • Renton Technical College (3000 NE 4th St.)
    • Blencoe Auditorium
    • Monday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
  • Renton Community Center (1715 Maple Valley Highway)
    • Monday/Tuesday: 2 p.m .- 8 p.m.
    • Capacity: 100 people
  • Learn more

Sammamish

  • Sammamish City Hall
    • Monday: 8:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
    • Tuesday/Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
    • Seating, restrooms and water available
  • Sammamish YMCA
    • Monday: 7 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
  • Sammamish Presbyterian Church
    • Monday: 3 p.m. - 8 p.m.
  • Learn more

Seattle

Here are a few more options across the county:

Hot weather safety tips from Public Health - Seattle & King County:

For everyone when days are hot:

  • Keep window blinds or curtains closed when outdoor temperatures skyrocket. This reduces indoor temps and reduces the strain on cooling equipment, if in use.
  • Keep windows and doors closed in locations with air conditioning.
  • Drink plenty of fluids (but avoid alcohol, caffeine, or lots of sugar that can make you lose body fluid).
  • Dress in layers to manage varying temperatures.
  • Minimize extended time outside.
  • Turn off unnecessary lights and unplug unused electrical equipment.
  • Take a tepid shower or bath to cool down.
  • Avoid hot and heavy meals that can raise your body temperature.
  • Check on vulnerable family or neighbors by phone or text to make sure they are safe and cool.
  • NEVER leave pets or children in a hot car. Call 9-1-1 if you see a child or pet in a hot car.
  • For summer tips for pets, Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) can help you out.
  • Learn the warning signs of heat illness that happens when the body can’t cool down. If someone has heat stroke, they need to call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room immediately.

If you must be outside:

  • The most important thing to do is to drink lots of water. When it’s really hot, drink up to a quart of water every hour with moderate to heavy physical activity.
  • Carry a water bottle.
  • Consider sports drinks for electrolyte replacement when sweating a lot.
  • Wear loose, light clothing with materials designed to wick sweat.
  • Wear a hat with a brim.
  • Check with your supervisor about adjusting your work hours to start earlier, when it’s cooler.
  • Stop all activity if you become lightheaded, confused, weak, faint or have a pounding heart or trouble breathing.
  • Hot, sunny weather invariably brings more people to King County’s parks and trails. More information about what is open can be found on Parks’ page.
  • Although the lakes, rivers and streams can be a tempting way to cool down, remember to get used to the cold water slowly and wear personal protective devices to be safe in the water.

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