Phoenix is bracing for a scorcher of a summer, and city officials aren't sweating it—they've already laid out their game plan to keep the heat-stroked public cool. The city will roll out new 24-hour heat respite centers and extended cooling center hours, ensuring that Phoenix’s citizens can find relief from the searing temps that besiege the region this time of year.
Breaking from previous years, the city has added overnight options to beat the heat. The Burton Barr Central Library is now a round-the-clock refuge, offering shelter from the oppressive desert climate. Additionally, Senior Opportunities West Senior Center will welcome those in need from the toasty hours of 6 p.m., to the early morning reprieve at 5 a.m. This expansion of services marks a significant increase in the city's commitment to public health and safety during the extreme heat season.
It's not just the respite centers that are getting a time extension; three public libraries—Yucca, Cholla, and Harmon—will now remain open as cooling centers until 10 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and from noon to close on Sundays. For those looking to cool down during standard business hours, all other Phoenix Public Libraries have joined the roster of cooling centers as well.
In a move to keep hydration a top priority, the city has also set up over 95 cooling centers, which are easily locatable via the Heat Relief Network's countywide map. Available for viewing at this website, the map details all cooling center locations, as well as hydration stations where parched Phoenicians can snag free bottled water.
The city's summer safety measures come at a crucial time, as meteorologists predict above-average temperatures that could pose serious health risks to the community at large. With these extended hours and additional centers, Phoenix aims to offer a more robust and accessible network of resources to shield its residents from the blistering heat. The plan, which came into effect May 1st, will run through September 30, ensuring that for the long, sweltering months ahead, the city is prepared to provide sanctuary from the relentless sun.
