Summer officially begins this Thursday, and it’s bringing the heat.
Extreme heat that originated in the upper Midwest and Ohio Valley is expected to make its way into our area over the weekend, bringing temperatures to the upper 90s with heat index values of 100 to 105 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Across the U.S., more than 70 million people were under heat alerts Monday as the heat moved eastward, the Associated Press reported. States in the northeast could see record-breaking temperatures by week’s end.
In Chesapeake, officials haven’t yet activated the city’s Dangerous Heat Plan, but “we are closely monitoring conditions and keeping in touch with our NWS contacts in Wakefield,” city communications director Heath Covey said in an email.
“Should conditions warrant, cooling stations will be opened and locations provided,” he said.
All Chesapeake Public Library branches and community centers are open for anyone needing a place to find respite from the heat, he said.
A Hampton spokesperson said the city doesn’t have plans at this time to open cooling centers but that all libraries and community centers will be available during normal business hours for those seeking relief from the heat.
In Norfolk, libraries and community center lobbies are also open. A cooling station is available at Salvation Army Hope Center in Norfolk.
Libraries in Virginia Beach are also open to anyone who needs to cool off. The city is also encouraging residents to take advantage of the Virginia Department of Social Services energy assistance program to offset the cost of utility bills, equipment or repairs related to air conditioning. More information can be found under “cooling assistance” on the agency’s website at www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/ea/.
In James City County, social services began taking applications for cooling assistance this week.
Newport News invites residents who need to cool off to visit the the Pearl Bailey, Main Street, and Grissom libraries today and Thursday at 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Libraries are closed Wednesday for Juneteenth.
Brittingham-Midtown and Denbigh Community Centers are open weekdays from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the Four Oaks Day Service Center is also open daily from 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
City officials are meeting this week and will determine if cooling centers will be open this Sunday.
In Portsmouth, the city plans to open cooling center based on heat advisories or warnings, but libraries are open during regular business hours for those who need a break from the heat.
Resident may also visit social service and behavioral healthcare services Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the senior station Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the City Hall lobby from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
With the high heat hitting over the weekend, Andy Booden with Virginia Beach Emergency Management said those who plan to be outside will need to take precautions.
“With it expected to hit over the weekend, everyone will be out in the sun and they need to have sunscreen,” Booden said. Hats and light-colored clothing will also help protect against sunburn and keep you cooler.
Hydration is also important, he said, advising anyone outdoors in the heat to drink water before they get thirsty.
“When you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated,” he said.
Booden said the city will send alerts to residents if conditions warrant this weekend, and urged anyone who needs help to call 311, the city’s non-emergency numbers for residents with safety concerns.
The National Weather Service offers the following safety tips for dealing with the heat:
- Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
- Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
- Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
- Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible.
- To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments.
- Anyone who is overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
- Heat stroke is an emergency. Call 911.
