The Burien Severe Weather Shelter has been partnering with the City of Burien to ensure that residents are cared for in extreme weather, and a heat wave like we’re having this week is no exception.

“Based on the current forecast, there is not a need for an overnight cooling/shelter,” organizers said. “We are keeping an eye on the forecast though, and will update you all if we determine we need to open the shelter due to extended hours of extreme heat, or hazardous air quality.”

Here are some local resources that available this week for people needing to cool down:

Burien Community Center will be open from Monday – Thursday, from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (they close daily from 2-3 p.m.)
Both the Boulevard Park and Downtown Burien Libraries will be open Monday, Thursday & Friday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Tuesday & Wednesday from 12–8 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. (the Downtown branch is also open Sunday from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.).
Seahurst Park Beach is open from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., and is located at 1600 SW Seahurst Park Road (map here).
Angle Lake Park in SeaTac (map here), which includes a Spray Park (open from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.).
Des Moines Beach Park in Des Moines (map here).

How to Help

Severe Weather Shelter organizers say that it you are out and about this week, you may want to consider taking along some bottles of water or Gatorade to hand out, along with small tubes of sunscreen or wide brimmed hats to help keep the sun off.

This CDC website has good information and data on avoiding heat stroke and exhaustion.

Stay safe! Keep an eye out for updates and information in your inbox as well as on the Burien Severe Weather Shelter’s Facebook page.

‘Excessive Heat Warning’ update from National Weather Service

Here’s the latest “Excessive Heat Warning” from the National Weather Service, issued Monday, Aug. 14, 2023 at 5:12 a.m.:

“EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM PDT WEDNESDAY… *

“WHAT…Dangerously hot conditions with daytime temperatures in the low to mid 90s and lows in the 60s and 70s expected. This will pose a major risk of heat-related illness. *

“WHERE…Bellevue and Vicinity and Seattle and Vicinity. *

“WHEN…Until 11 PM PDT Wednesday. *

“IMPACTS…Major Heat Risk level poses a major risk for heat- related illnesses for anyone without effective cooling or adequate hydration.

“PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1. For sheltering information and other human services in your area, dial 2 1 1 during business hours or visit wa211.org anytime.”

See our previous Weather-related stories and videos here: