Dangerous Seattle heat wave through Monday night; Please Seek Public Resources to Stay Safe; Despite being a wealthy city, tens of thousands are at risk with basic needs unmet. We need socialism to avert climate catastrophe!

Home » Dangerous Seattle heat wave through Monday night; Please Seek Public Resources to Stay Safe; Despite being a wealthy city, tens of thousands are at risk with basic needs unmet. We need socialism to avert climate catastrophe!

The National Weather Service is predicting “dangerously hot conditions” for Seattle and much of the Pacific Northwest this weekend, with highs on Sunday and Monday that will likely peak above 100 degrees. Some forecasters are predicting a 106 degree high in Seattle on Monday, which would shatter previous records for the city. It is likely that this wave will shatter previous all-time records across the PNW, with temperatures 25-35 degrees above the seasonal average. Portland, Oregon could get as hot as 112 degrees.

It will be hotter in Seattle this weekend than in Miami, Florida. Despite this being a wealthy city, shamefully, only around 33 percent of Seattle’s buildings and residences are air-conditioned — making it the least air-conditioned metropolitan city in the U.S. Working people and community members without personal access to air conditioning are advised to seek publicly-available air-conditioned locations such as libraries and the cooling centers. For those unadapted to heat these dangerously high temperatures can quickly lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and sometimes death. The National Weather Service is urging residents not to spend time outdoors during peak heat hours and to stay as hydrated as possible. There won’t be much cooling in the evenings below around 70 degrees, so our bodies won’t be able to cool off much overnight, leading to increased risk of heat illnesses.

It is unacceptable that a city and region with multi-millionaires and billionaires has seen rents skyrocket, homelessness explode, and tens of thousands of working people are not having their basic needs met. But this is normal under capitalism, a system in which society’s resources and wealth are siphoned off by a few. We will need to continue fighting for the full Renters’ Bill of Rights and to expand our Amazon Tax to fund additional social housing. But these reforms, while we will have to wrest them from the elite, will not be enough. In order to avert a climate catastrophe, and ensure that human needs are met, we will need to fight for socialism, a society where resources are democratically owned by working people and harnessed for the good of everyone, not for the greed of a few.

Please see the following public resources from the City of Seattle to keep yourselves, your families and communities and pets safe during this dangerous heat wave:

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May be an image of text that says 'HEAT EXHAUSTION OR Faint or dizzy HEAT STROKE Excessive sweating Throbbing headache, confusion Cool, pale, clammy skin No sweating Nausea or vomiting Body temperature above 103° Red, hot, dry skin Rapid, weak pulse Nausea or vomiting Muscle cramps Rapid, strong pulse May lose Get to a cooler, air conditioned place consciousness Drink water if fully conscious CALL 9-1-1 .Take a cool shower or use cold compresses Move person to cooler place •Cool using cool cloths or bath Do not give anything to drink @NWSSacramento weather.gov/Sacramento @SacramentoOES SacramentoReady.org'

Seattle  (June 24, 2021) – As the National Weather Service has forecasted an excessive heat watch with record-breaking temperatures from Friday, June 25 through Tuesday, June 29, the City of Seattle will be opening more than 30 “cooling centers” including senior centers, community centers, libraries, day/hygiene, and an emergency shelter in addition to beaches, pools, spray parks, and wading pools. All locations and hours of operation vary. Temperatures across Seattle metro area are forecast to reach the mid-100’s by Monday, a record-breaking day.

Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center Opens as 24/7 Shelter 

The Human Services Department (HSD) today confirmed the planned opening of an emergency 24-hour emergency cooling shelter at Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center (305 Harrison St) to provide relief from the elements for individuals experiencing homelessness. This is in addition to the current shelter open at Exhibition Hall at Seattle Center. This emergency shelter will be open from the morning of Saturday, June 26, through the morning of Tuesday, June 29. The shelter will be operated by the Salvation Army with capacity for 73 individuals. Meals will be provided to guests by Operation Sack Lunch.    

 Seattle Parks Community Center Cooling Center Hours  

  • International District/Chinatown Community Center (Sunday and Monday 2pm-8pm) 
  • Northgate Community Center (Saturday and Sunday 2pm-8pm) 
  • Rainier Beach Community Center (Saturday and Sunday 2pm-8pm)

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. 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. Wednesdays and Fridays; noon to 6 p.m. Sundays  
  • 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.   

Human Services Department  

To support those living unsheltered in the excessive heat, over the coming days, the HOPE Team, in partnership with outreach providers, will be conducting welfare checks, handing out water and basic needs supplies, and providing other supports, including transportation to cooling centers and shelter. The City does have some limited availability of 24/7 enhanced shelter, tiny homes, and other shelter spaces. 

Lake City Community Center (15321 28th Ave NE), has been serving as a day center, will be open this weekend and Seattle Parks and Recreation has arranged for evaporative cooling at that location. Extended hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. 

HSD Aging and Disability Services case managers, who work with vulnerable older adults, have been checking in with clients and distributing fans to those in need all week.   

Day Centers for People Experiencing Homelessness 

  • Community Drop-In Center (Seattle Indian Center), 1265 S Main St suite 105 
    • Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Monday – Friday/ 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday – Sunday (NEW EXTENDED HOURS) 
  • God’s Lil Acre, 12521 33rd Ave NE 
    • Hours: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.; Monday – Friday 
  • Immanuel Community Services, 1215 Thomas St 
    • Hours: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Monday – Friday 
  • The Salvation Army Jefferson Day Center, 4th Ave & Jefferson Street 
    • Hours: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.; 7 days-a-week  
  • Peter’s Place/Compass Hygiene Center, 77 S Washington St 
    • Hours: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Monday – Friday 
  • Urban Rest Stop – Ballard, 2014-B NW 57th St 
    • Hours: 6:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.; Monday – Friday 
  • Urban Rest Stop -Downtown,1924 Ninth Avenue 
    • Hours: 5:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.; Mon. – Fri./ 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Sat. -Sun.  
  • Women’s Day Center, 1830 9th Ave 
    • Hours: 7am -3:30pm; Monday – Friday/ 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Saturday 

Senior Centers 

  • Greenwood Senior Center, 525 N 85th St 
    • Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Monday – Friday 
    • Phone: 206-297-0875 
  • Pike Market Senior Center, 85 Pike St, Suite 200 
    • Hours: 8:20 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 7 days-a-week 
    • Phone: 206-728-2773 
  • Senior Center of West Seattle, 4217 SW Oregon St 
    • Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Monday – Friday 
    • Phone: 206-932-4044 
  • Southeast Seattle Senior Center, 4655 South Holly St 
    • Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Monday – Friday/ 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday (NEW EXTENDED HOURS) 
    • Phone: 206-722-0317 
  • Central Area Senior Center, 500 30th Ave S 
    • Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday 
    • Phone: 206-726-4926 
  • Wallingford Community Senior Center, 4649 Sunnyside Ave N, Ste 140 
    • Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday  
    • Phone: 206-461-7825 

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.  

  • 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  

Public Drinking Fountains 

In preparation for the extreme heat, more than 90 fountains are in operation. Seattle Public Utilities and Seattle Parks and Recreation crews have been working to quickly repair and bring online fountains that were either damaged or were shut-off to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Over the coming days, the City anticipates the daily restoration of dozens of drinking fountains, providing access to more drinking water during this high heat event, in neighborhoods across the city. 

Supportive Services  

The Department of Finance and Administrative Services (FAS) is coordinating with City departments to proactively respond to the upcoming heat event. FAS is supporting HSD and Parks by distributing supplies to shelter locations. The department also has designated teams in security, property management and logistics on 24-hour standby, that way it can be as nimble and responsive as possible throughout the heat event should additional resources need to be deployed.  

Seattle Public Utilities  

Because of the extreme heat forecasted, the City’s North and South Transfer Stations, operated by Seattle Public Utilities, will close at 2 pm on Sunday, June 27, and Monday, June 28, to self-haul service. The temporary, early closure protects SPU staff, who continue to wear masks per CDC guidance during the Covid-19 pandemic, from heat-related illnesses. It also reduces fire risk with certain types of self-haul waste. 

SPU Solid Waste contractors are also taking health precautions during the excessive heat watch and will begin servicing residential customer routes one hour earlier on Monday. SPU Monday customers are asked to set out their garbage, compost, and recycling by 6 am Monday. 

Additional Resources