Columbus is opening up cooling centers and making city pools free this week, as residents seek to beat the heat under an advisory that could see heat index values as high as 105 degrees.
The current extreme heat advisory is in effect until Wednesday night, June 24, but temperatures are expected to remain in the 90’s thru the weekend, raising the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Health experts recommend people drink plenty of water, limit outdoor activity during the day, and find air conditioned spaces like libraries, cooling centers, public libraries and malls.
Columbus Recreation and Parks will open cooling centers from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm at five community centers:
- Dodge Community Center - 667 Sullivant Avenue
- Driving Park Community Center - 1100 Rhoads Avenue
- Glenwood Community Center - 1880 Fairmont Avenue
- Linden Community Center - 1350 Briarwood Avenue
- Marion Franklin Community Center - 280 Lockbourne Road
Entrance fees are waived at city pools and spray grounds during the heat advisory, and all 23 Columbus Metropolitan Library sites will be open. In order to help people connect with services, COTA is waiving fares through Wednesday, while the heat advisory is in effect.
Monday marks the eighth straight day temperatures in Columbus have hit the 90’s. The longest heat streak in Ohio is 12 days with temps above 90, last seen in 2020. That record could fall, with high temperatures expected to remain through the weekend.
