Central Virginia is facing the hottest temperatures of the season (so far) this week, with dangerously high heat indices and temperatures.
An “Extreme Heat Warning” has been issued by the National Weather Service for much of the region today and tomorrow, with additional heat advisories in place through Wednesday west of Greater Richmond.
Heat index values are expected to reach a range of 108–111 degrees Fahrenheit.
In response, cooling stations are open across Richmond and Central Virginia to help bring some relief from the heat.
City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County
- Albemarle County office building lobbies: 401 McIntire Road, Charlottesville; 1600 5th St., Charlottesville
- Greenwood Community Center: 865 Greenwood Road, Crozet (9 a.m.–6 p.m.)
- The Haven: 112 W. Market St., Charlottesville
- Jefferson-Madison Regional Library System: A full list of branches and hours of operation can be found here
- Key Recreation Center: 800 E. Market St., Charlottesville
- Tonsler Recreation Center: 501 Cherry Ave., Charlottesville
- Salvation Army: 297 Ridge St., Charlottesville (water is available)
- The University of Virginia Libraries
- Yancey Community Center: 7625 Porters Road, Esmont (9 a.m.–6 p.m.)
In addition to the cooling centers, entrance fees will be waived at the county’s public swimming beaches — Chris Greene Lake Park, Mint Spring Valley Park and Walnut Creek Park — from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday.
City of Richmond
Click here for the full list of Richmond cooling stations, which are open now through Labor Day.
Chesterfield County
- Chesterfield Public Library system: Check individual branch locations and hours
Goochland County
- Goochland Branch Library: 3075 River Road West, Goochland (hours)
- Goochland Sports Complex: 1800 Sandy Hook Road, Goochland (hours)
Henrico County
- A full list of cooling centers and splash pads is available here.
Powhatan County
- Pocahontas Landmark Center: 4290 Anderson Hwy. (Tuesday 8:30 a.m.–9 p.m., Wednesday 8:30 a.m.–8 p.m., Thursday 8:30 a.m.–9 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.)
- Powhatan County Public Library: 2270 Mann Road (Tuesday–Thursday 9 a.m.–7 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.)
- Passion Community Church: 4480 Anderson Hwy., (Monday–Thursday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.)
Staunton and Waynesboro
- Augusta Street United Methodist Church: open until Friday, June 27; starting Tuesday, July 1, the church will be open as a cooling center when temperatures hit 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
More information on staying cool
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Keep your cool in hot weather!
- Virginia Department of Health: How to beat the summer heat
- VCU Health: When to see a medical professional for heat-related illnesses
- National Weather Service: How to understand heat alerts
- Tips on boosting air conditioner performance
- 5 tips to keep your pet safe and comfortable in extreme heat