With temperatures in the upper 90s projected through mid-week, the city will be keeping a close watch on vulnerable populations and opening up cooling centers on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
The Dunbar Community Center on 494 North Upper Street will offer a spot to cool down from 8 am – 8 pm, while a room will be available at the Tates Creek Golf Course on 1400 Gainesway Drive from 7 am – dusk.
"It's not only the heat. It's the humidity. The body loses its ability to regulate temperature and now you can be into serious trouble. This is particularly important for the very, very young, the very, very old, and those who may have some sort of chronic illness."John Bobel, Lexington Emergency Management
The city is also reminding residents to stay hydrated, keep pets out of hot cars and provide them plenty of fresh water, and to watch for signs of heat-related illnesses – which can include red, dry skin with no sweating, dizziness, nausea, and confusion.
The heat emergency will remain in effect through dusk on Friday. High temperatures aren’t expected to dip below 90 until Saturday.