Where To Escape The Heat Wave Around Seattle And King County

KING COUNTY, WA — Temperatures are poised to soar into the mid-90s across Puget Sound, and King County residents have several options to help beat the heat — from beaches and pools to cooling centers and libraries.

In Seattle, more than a dozen air-condition Seattle Public Library branches will be open between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, with eight remaining open on Saturday. From Thursday through Saturday, Seattle Parks and Recreation will open four cooling centers between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

• Rainier Beach Community Center (8825 Rainier Ave S)
• International District/Chinatown Community Center (719 8th Ave S)
• Northgate Community Center (10510 5th Ave NE)
• Magnuson Building #406 (7110 62nd Ave NE, #406)

A half dozen senior centers will be open at various times during the heat wave, along with six day centers for people experiencing homelessness. Seattle Center's International Fountain will run between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. daily.

Related: Excessive Heat Warning Issued Across Puget Sound

Several lifeguarded beaches are open across Seattle and the Eastside, including in Kirkland and Bellevue. Despite the soaring temperatures, residents should also remember that area lakes and rivers remain very cold, and swimming in unguarded areas can pose significant risks. Residents can brush up on water safety reminders and the best practices for navigating hot weather on the King County website.

The city of Seattle has an updated map of places to cool off, and Washington 211 assembled a statewide list.

Find more cooling centers around King County:

• Auburn – Auburn Senior Activity Center
• Bellevue – North Bellevue and Crossroads community centers, various beaches and water features. Bellevue is also hosting an emergency cooling shelter for pets.
• Burien – Burien Community Center
• Covington – Covington City Hall
• Des Moines – Des Moines Senior Activity Center
• Enumclaw – Enumclaw Senior Center
• Federal Way – Federal Way Community Center
• Issaquah – Issaquah Senior Center
• Kenmore – The Hanger and Kenmore Library
• Kent – Kent Commons Community Center, Kent Public Library
• Kirkland – Multiple locations
• Maple Valley – Lake Wilderness Lodge, Greater Maple Valley Community Center
• North Bend – Multiple locations
• Redmond – Various splashpads
• Renton – Renton Senior Activity Center
• Sammamish – Sammamish Library
• SeaTac – Community Center
• Seattle – Multiple locations
• Shoreline – Shoreline City Hall
• Snoqualmie – Multiple locations
• Tukwila – Multiple locations