Severe Weather Protocols are not currently active.
This page is updated during Tier 2 and Tier 3 Severe Weather activations. This page was last updated 5/16/2025 as we transition to summer, reorienting the page toward heat and wildfire smoke resources. It will be fully updated with resources in advance of our first heat-related tier 2 or tier 3 activation.
The mild Pacific Northwest climate can make us more sensitive to heat. When it’s hot, our region sees a spike in the number of people who have serious health problems like heart attacks, stroke, and kidney failure. Public Health of Seattle-King County has advice on being prepared for hot weather and wildfire smoke.
Learn about the thresholds for heat and wildfire smoke, what goes into an activation, review our updated Severe Weather Policy (updated 12/31/24).
Use the links below to find forecast information and year-round resources. Stay up to date on King County’s emergency status here.
Severe Weather Shelter Navigation Hotline: (206) 245-1026 – Available 8:00 am – 11:30 pm daily during severe weather activations
Anyone can use this hotline during severe weather activations for information on shelters and navigating to shelter locations. Families with children can call to be connected with a shelter and a ride to that location, as available.
All King County Library System (KLCS) libraries are free and open to all members of the public during their open hours and can be used as day shelter. Detailed information about each library location can be found on the KCLS website.
Click here for Seattle Public Libraries locations and hours.
General Use:
QR Code for KCRHA’s Severe Weather Response page – can be added to flyers to direct to the most up-to-date info
KCRHA Heat & Smoke Activation Thresholds – quick reference guide for activation thresholds – PDF
Heat Wave Tools (Public Health Seattle & King County Info) – Social Media Carousel – compressed folder with 8 PNG files
How to Help During a Heatwave – Social Media Carousel – compressed folder with 4 PNG files
This information is updated during Tier 2 and Tier 3 Severe Weather Protocol Activations. It was last updated 5/16/2025, removing winter resources, in advance of our first heat-related activation this summer.
If you need to find a day center or overnight shelter outside of an activation, please use our Regional Services Database, which will allow you to filter by a number of needs and factors to find the best option.
Severe Weather Shelter Navigation Hotline: (206) 245-1026
Anyone can use this hotline during severe weather activations for information on shelters and navigating to shelter locations. Families with children can call to be connected with a shelter and a ride to that location.
An updated cooling center resources list will be added when we have our first heat-related activation of the summer.
This information is updated during Tier 2 and Tier 3 Severe Weather Protocol Activations. It was last updated 5/16/2025, removing winter resources, in advance of our first heat-related activation this summer.
If you need to find a day center or overnight shelter outside of an activation, please use our Regional Services Database, which will allow you to filter by a number of needs and factors to find the best option.
Severe Weather Shelter Navigation Hotline: (206) 245-1026
Anyone can use this hotline during severe weather activations for information on shelters and navigating to shelter locations. Families with children can call to be connected with a shelter and a ride to that location.
An updated cooling center resources list will be added when we have our first heat-related activation of the summer.
Near the county line? Click here to find Snohomish County Severe Weather Shelter options.
This information is updated during Tier 2 and Tier 3 Severe Weather Protocol Activations. It was last updated 5/16/2025, removing winter resources, in advance of our first heat-related activation this summer.
If you need to find a day center or overnight shelter outside of an activation, please use our Regional Services Database, which will allow you to filter by a number of needs and factors to find the best option.
Severe Weather Shelter Navigation Hotline: (206) 245-1026
Anyone can use this hotline during severe weather activations for information on shelters and navigating to shelter locations. Families with children can call to be connected with a shelter and a ride to that location.
An updated cooling center resources list will be added when we have our first heat-related activation of the summer.
This information is updated during Tier 2 and Tier 3 Severe Weather Protocol Activations. It was last updated 5/16/2025, removing winter resources, in advance of our first heat-related activation this summer.
If you need to find a day center or overnight shelter outside of an activation, please use our Regional Services Database, which will allow you to filter by a number of needs and factors to find the best option.
Severe Weather Shelter Navigation Hotline: (206) 245-1026
Anyone can use this hotline during severe weather activations for information on shelters and navigating to shelter locations. Families with children can call to be connected with a shelter and a ride to that location.
An updated cooling center resources list will be added when we have our first heat-related activation of the summer.
This information is updated during Tier 2 and Tier 3 Severe Weather Protocol Activations. It was last updated 5/16/2025, removing winter resources, in advance of our first heat-related activation this summer.
If you need to find a day center or overnight shelter outside of an activation, please use our Regional Services Database, which will allow you to filter by a number of needs and factors to find the best option.
Severe Weather Shelter Navigation Hotline: (206) 245-1026
Anyone can use this hotline during severe weather activations for information on shelters and navigating to shelter locations. Families with children can call to be connected with a shelter and a ride to that location.
An updated cooling center resources list will be added when we have our first heat-related activation of the summer.
During the warmer months and wildfire season, many local organizations are providing spaces and supplies to keep unhoused neighbors cool, hydrated, and safe from extreme weather, there are a few things you can do to help, too:
During a Severe Weather Response protocols activation, you can look at the information listed in the sections above and find organizations in your region that offer daytime or overnight shelter when protocols are not activated, you can view our Regional Services Database to find an organization near you.
- Check in with local organizations that are operating daytime drop-in centers and overnight shelter and ask if they need any donated supplies to keep their site running smoothly.
- Volunteer with an organization that provides warming or resources for unsheltered individuals in your neighborhood or city.
- Donate financially to an organization that serves your community.
- Help get the word out about resources by sharing this page, or the graphics in the “Shareable Graphics & Flyers” section above on social media.
During heatwaves and wildfire smoke, you can also carry hydrating beverages like water or electrolyte drinks and snacks to distribute to people who request help.
More Places to Stay Cool
Local malls (The Outlet Collection in Auburn, Westfield Southcenter Mall in Tukwila, Crossroads Mall in Bellevue, and Alderwood Mall in Lynwood), libraries, and movie theaters are all good places to stay cool.
King County Library System and Seattle Public Libraries: Check their website for location and hours.