The National Weather Service has issued an “Excessive Heat Watch” for the Seattle area for this weekend, so the city is reminding residents where to cool off during the heat wave. Temperatures are expected to reach 84 degrees today, 88 on Saturday, and 86 on Sunday. The heat should continue throughout the week, with temps forecasted in the 80s.
We’re lucky in Ballard with Golden Gardens and Carkeek Park just around the corner, but if you can’t make it to the beach, here are some areas where the city recommends seeking refuge from the hot weather:
- Ballard Library
- Ballard NW Senior Center
- Ballard Commons Spray Park (water is on from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
For reminders on keeping cool and safe during the heatwave, visit the King County Public Health “Beat the heat” page. The city also has some helpful tips for keeping your pets safe this weekend:
- Never leave your animal chained or penned up directly in sunlight. Provide a shady area for retreat, such as a dog house, porch or shady tree, and always provide cool water.
- If you leave animals indoors, open screened windows, keep a fan running, provide plenty of water, and if possible, leave them in a cool location.
- Never leave dogs or cats unattended in a closed, locked car. Animals do not perspire like humans; they cool themselves by panting and seats in vehicles get hot under animals’ feet and prevent them from perspiring through their paws.
- If you must travel with your pet, carry water. If a trip requires you leave your pet in the car at any point, think about saving that for another day. It’s not worth the risk.
- Avoid overexerting your animal in hot weather. Exercise is fine when taken in moderation, but obesity, old age, underlying disease and previous bouts of heat stroke can predispose an animal to the condition.
- For birds, take caution and place the bird’s cage away from direct sunlight during the intense heat of the afternoon. Provide water and fruits and vegetables with high moisture content.
