It doesn't get extremely warm in Seattle very often so air conditioning is not in every home as it is in cities like Phoenix, Arizona. In fact Weather.com shows that from June through September the average monthly temperature here is between 71 and 76 degrees.

So when temperatures exceed 85 people flock to Alki and the parks in West Seattle to cool off.

Photographer David Rosen found people out doing just that today, in our wonderful little corner of the world.

City responds to heat wave with information about where to get cool

Actions include directing public to City facilities with air conditioning

The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for Seattle and most of the Puget Sound region from noon today until 11 PM Friday evening. High temperatures in the Seattle area are expected to remain above 90 degrees for much of that time. NWS is predicting that today and tomorrow will be among the hottest days of the year. Warm weather is forecast through the weekend. Residents are encouraged to stay in a cool area, remain well hydrated and visit places with air conditioning if necessary.

“During this heat wave it’s important to stay cool and safe,” said Mayor Mike McGinn. “Use caution if you are spending time outside, and please take a moment to check on vulnerable friends and neighbors.”

Older adults, young children, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases face the highest risk for heat-related illness, although anyone can be affected. Animals are also vulnerable.

Seattle Police Department officers and human service organizations are handing out water to vulnerable populations today and tomorrow.

The City of Seattle encourages individuals that are in need of a break from the heat to consider visiting one of the many public facilities equipped with air conditioning.

These facilities include the following (West Seattle locations in bold):

Seattle Center Armory
305 Harrison St
7 AM – 9 PM Thu, 7 AM – 10 PM Fri

Central Library
1000 Fourth Ave
10 AM – 8 PM Thu, 10 AM – 6 PM Fri

Ballard Library
5614 22nd Ave NW
10 AM – 8 PM Thu, 10 AM – 6 PM Fri

Beacon Hill Library
2821 Beacon Ave S
10 AM – 8 PM Thu, 10 AM – 6 PM Fri

Broadview Library
12755 Greenwood Ave N
10 AM – 8 PM Thu, 10 AM – 6 PM Fri

Capitol Hill Library
425 Harvard Ave E
10 AM – 8 PM Thu, 10 AM – 6 PM Fri

Delridge Library
5423 Delridge Way SW
11 AM – 6 PM Thu, Closed Fri

Douglass-Truth Library
2300 E Yesler Way
10 AM – 8 PM Thu, 10 AM – 6 PM Fri

Greenwood Library
8016 Greenwood Ave N
10 AM – 8 PM Thu, 10 AM – 6 PM Fri

High Point Library
3411 SW Raymond St
11 AM – 6 PM Thu, Closed Fri

International District/Chinatown Library
713 Eighth Ave S
11 AM – 6 PM Thu, Closed Fri

Lake City Library
12501 28th Ave NE
10 AM – 8 PM Thu, 10 AM – 6 PM Fri

Magnolia Library
2801 34th Ave W
11 AM – 6 PM Thu, Closed Fri

Montlake Library
2401 24th Ave E
11 AM – 6 PM Thu, Closed Fri

New Holly Library
7058 32nd Ave S
11 AM – 6 PM Thu, Closed Fri

Northgate Library
10548 Fifth Ave NE
11 AM – 6 PM Thu, Closed Fri

Rainier Beach Library
9125 Rainier Ave S
10 AM – 8 PM Thu, 10 AM – 6 PM Fri

South Park Library
8604 Eighth Ave S
11 AM – 6 PM Thu, Closed Fri

Greenwood Senior Center
525 North 85th Street
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Thu & Fri

Pike Market Senior Center
85 Pike Street, #200
8 AM – 4 PM Thu & Fri

South East Senior Center
4655 South Holly Street
8:30 AM – 4 PM Thu & Fri

West Seattle Senior Center
4217 SW Oregon Street
8 AM – 5 PM Thu & Fri

In addition, Seattle Parks and Recreation is operating wading pools, outdoor pools, beaches, and the public fountains at Seattle Center. Most Seattle parks also have drinking fountains to help the public stay hydrated.

High temperatures have also brought increased fire danger. The Seattle Fire Department asked residents to be careful with open flames and to be mindful of burn bans and fire restrictions at state lands and parks. Residents should call 911 immediately if they spot any fires.

More information about summer fire safety can be found at http://www.seattle.gov/fire/pubEd/brochures/Summer%20Safety.pdf.

Online heat resources:

For more tips on beating the extreme heat, visit http://www.seattle.gov for an overview of resources
Seattle-King County Public Health: http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/beattheheat.aspx
Tips to keep pets safe: http://www.seattle.gov/news/detail.asp?ID=13017&Dept=44
Seattle City Light tips to stay cool and conserve energy: http://powerlines.seattle.gov/2012/08/16/hot-weather-in-the-forecast-st…