FEDERAL WAY - Excessive heat warnings and heat advisories are blanketing Western Washington as we prepare for the hottest temperatures of the year so far. Flirting with records of consecutive 90 degree days has some people looking for ways to stay cool.

Excessive heat causes concern for all groups, but the elderly and animals are at the highest risk of sickness from the heat. Many cooling centers are now open and as for animals, experts say to avoid all exercise if possible during the heat. If you must take them for a walk, time of day is key. Dr Mark O'Hanlon owns the Animals Emergency Clinic in Kirkland and says,"Early morning before it heats up. Get them out before 10 a.m. or late evening after 8 p.m. or 9 p.m. when the sun starts going down". He also cautions people to keep their pets out of the car as the inside of a car can be 30-50 degrees hotter than the outside temperature.

Seattle only averages two or three days a year where temperatures reach into the 90s. So far this year, the city has felt that kind of heat twice and several days this week are expected to reach into the 90s.

City of Seattle provides relief for residents: With high temperatures predicted in the 90s this week, city of Seattle facilities, including parks, libraries and the Seattle Center are offering people a way to cool off and stay safe during the heat of the day.

● The International Fountain at Seattle Center will extend its hours of operation from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. ● The Fountain of Creation, a large wading pool and fountain located in the Seattle Center's Northwest Rooms' lower courtyard, also provides a place to cool down. ● The Seattle Center House is air conditioned and is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. ● West Seattle and Southwest Seattle Senior Centers are air conditioned. ●Seattle Parks and Recreation offers indoor swimming at:

o Evans Pool, 7201 E. Green Lake Drive N.

o Madison Pool, 13401 Meridian N.

o Ballard Pool, 1471 N.W. 67th St.

o Meadowbrook Pool, 10515 35th Ave. N.E.

o Queen Anne Pool, 1920 First Ave. W.

o Medgar Evers Pool, 500 23rd Ave.

o Southwest Pool, 2801 S.W. Thistle

o Rainier Beach Pool, 8825 Rainier Ave. S. Indoor and outdoor swimming pools are $2.75 for children and seniors, and $4 for adults. For more information on outdoor public pools, beaches, spray features and wading pools: www.seattle.gov/parks

● All locations of The Seattle Public Library are open regular hours this week, and many of the facilities are air conditioned. Patrons and tourists are welcome to attend Summer Reading Program events or Library programs, such as story times for children. They also may bring their laptops to take advantage of free Wi-Fi in all locations. For a full listing of events this week or for Library locations, please visit the Library Web site at www.spl.org.

The Central Library is open:

o 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday

o 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday

o Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday

Branch libraries are open:

o 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday

o 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday

o 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday

o Some branches are also open from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday; please check the Web site for locations or call 206-386-4636

Residents are encouraged to take precautions and monitor themselves and others for signs and symptoms of heat-related illness. Check on relatives and neighbors, particularly those with health issues, and call for medical aid as necessary. Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows rolled down.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat warning in effect until 6 p.m. on Thursday. Seattle King County Public Health offers hot weather safety tips at: www.kingcounty.gov/health/BeatTheHeat.