4 things Seattle is talking about
📈 A reminder that this heat is not normal. The National Weather Service says this weekend’s expected heat wave to be “unprecedented” and historic. The high temperatures are caused by what are known as “heat domes,” which are becoming more frequent due to human-caused climate change. (The Washington Post)
- Related: This heat wave won't affect everyone equally. Based on data from a hot day last July, south King County experienced higher temperatures for longer. According to the article, “earlier studies in Tacoma and other cities have found that ‘redlined’ neighborhoods...are usually hotter in the summer than wealthier neighborhoods. (KUOW)
💧 According to Seattle Parks and Recreation, only 20% of the city park water fountains work. Most of the fountains were turned off for the past year because of the pandemic. Now as the parks department turns them back on, they’re discovering many need fixing or replacement parts. SPR hopes to have all functioning fountains turned on by mid-July. (KIRO)
- Related: The city of Seattle issued guidance for staying cool including hours for the public libraries that have AC, as well as for pools and beaches with lifeguards. Also of note, the city’s Human Services Department’s HOPE team is working with outreach providers to hand out water and offer support to those living unsheltered.
🍦 Stay cool with these frozen treats. If we’re going to suffer, we might as well do it with something sweet in our hands, right? Here are nine different local spots to grab everything from shaved ice to boozy otter pops. (Eater Seattle)
📚 In unrelated heat news...this UW undergraduate student just published her first book, and it’s already been optioned for the big screen. Zoe Hana Mikuta started writing her new young adult science fiction novel, “Gearbreakers,” when she was in high school. According to a summary, the story centers on “two teen girls fighting on opposite sides in a futuristic society [who] fall in love.” Zoe has already finished the sequel as well as another fantasy horror book. She’s speaking at a virtual event with Elliott Bay Book Co. next Wednesday. (The Seattle Times)
