Mercer Island Tips for Staying Cool in Mid-90 Heat

What are your plans to stay cool on Thursday and Friday, when the temperatures are expeted to hit the mid-90s? 

Area civic leaders and churches encouraging residents who need to stay cool to visit the local community centers during drop-in hours.

• , 3605 84th Avenue SE, 206-232-5595
• , 8236 SE 24th Street, 206-275-7609
• , 3801 East Mercer Way, 206-232-7115

The Mercer Island Presbyterian Church is offering use of its air-conditioned Courtyard and Fireside Rooms during the day on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

"Bring a book, laptop or board game and enjoy a FREE place to relax while the weather is extra warm. (A reminder that all children need to be supervised)," stated an MIPC notice on the availability of their church in the hot weather.

King County has this list of other "cool-off" spots.

The Department of Ecology says the high temperatures forecast in the next few days increases the risks of smog and of respiratory illnesses. 

According to Public Health – Seattle & King County, the highest risk for heat-related illness are older adults, young children, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases. 

The county department offers the following tips to stay cool: 

Staying cool

• Spend more time in air conditioned places. If you don't have air conditioning, consider visiting a mall, movie theater or other cool public places.
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun.
• Dress in lightweight clothing.
• Check up on your elderly neighbors and relatives to take these precautions too.

Drinking liquids

• Drink plenty of water. Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol and large amounts of sugar because they can actually de-hydrate your body.
• Have a beverage with you at all times, and sip or drink frequently. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink.

Going outside:

• Limit the time you're in direct sunlight.
• Do not leave infants, children, people with mobility challenges and pets in a parked car, even with the window rolled down.
• Avoid or reduce doing activities that are tiring, or take a lot of energy.
• Do outdoor activities in the cooler morning and evening hours.
• Avoid sunburn. Use a sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (sun protection factor) rating.

King County offers more tips in English, Spanish, Chinese Vietnamese, Russian and Korean on its Beat the Heat webpage.

The county also advises people who want to go to the water to stay cool to remember to practice on streams and rivers, including using lifejackets, or to consider going to local pools or lifeguarded beaches instead.

After the two days of mid-90-degree weather, expect the heat to break with , according to the National Weather Service.

What are your plans for beating the heat? Headed to the beach? The Seattle or Bellevue malls at , or ? Going to the ? Are you purchasing an air conditioner?