A couple of days featuring really hot temperatures are predicted for today and tomorrow, August 16th and 17th. The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for our area from noon today until 11PM tomorrow. Temperatures are predicted to hit the mid-90’s in the Snoqualmie Valley.
In response, the Mt. Si Senior Center and the Snoqualmie Valley YMCA have opened their doors as temporary cooling shelters for valley residents without air conditioning.
The Mt. Si Senior Center is open to all ages during the stretch of hot weather. It is located in North Bend at 411 Main Avenue South. Hours for August 16th and 17th are 8:00AM to 4:30PM. Please bring your own water and snacks. For information call 425-888-3434.
The Snoqualmie Valley YMCA is open to facility and non-facility members to cool down. Non-facility members are welcome in the air-conditioned community meeting room (all ages) and the Youth Development Center (6th grade and above).
The YMCA is located on Snoqualmie Ridge at 35018 SE Ridge Street by Snoqualmie Community Park. Hours of operation on August 16th and 17th are 5:00AM to 9:00PM. Check in at the front counter. Anyone over age 16 should bring identification. Please bring your own water and snacks. For information please call 425-256-3115.
Public libraries are also a great place to cool off. Residents can stop in and read, use a computer and enjoy the air conditioning. Both North Bend and Snoqualmie have King County Library branches.
Remember to stay hydrated, especially if you are spending time outdoors. Also, keep an eye out for neighbors, kids and pets, especially those living in homes without air-conditioning.
If you are planning to head to area rivers to cool off, please use a life jacket. Just yesterday there was a drowning in the Snoqualmie River in Carnation. Stay cool and be safe!
Visit the King County website for more information on dealing with the heat.
