RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond residents sought relief from soaring temperatures on Thursday as the mercury climbed into the mid-90s on one of the hottest days of the year so far.
With Juneteenth being observed as a federal holiday, cooling options across the city were limited, forcing many to seek alternative ways to escape the dangerous heat.
Richmond City Pools and the Extreme Heat Weather Shelter on Chamberlayne Avenue remained open Thursday as designated cooling centers.
However, the city's social service buildings and libraries were closed for the holiday, though they will be available as cooling centers on select days and times through Labor Day.
The need for cooling centers becomes even more critical next week as Central Virginia faces several days under an excessive heat warning.
These extreme temperatures make staying hydrated and finding shade or shelter not just smart but essential.
Officials urge people to stay indoors or in air-conditioned spaces and to take breaks if they must be outside.
In these high temperatures, heat exhaustion can become a serious concern.
Experts encourage people to seek medical attention if they experience nausea, headache, heavy sweating, dizziness, weakness, muscle cramps, or a rapid heart rate after being in the heat.
While summer is just beginning, it's never too soon to start taking steps to beat the heat.
The city cooling options are:
- Marshall Plaza
900 E. Marshall Street
Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. - Southside Plaza
4100 Hull Street Road
Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. - Main Library
101 E. Franklin Street - Belmont Library
3100 Ellwood Avenue - Broad Rock Library
4820 Old Warwick Road - East End Library
1200 N. 25th Street - Ginter Park Library
1200 W. Brook Avenue - Hull Street Library
1400 Hull Street - North Avenue Library
2901 North Avenue - West End Library
5420 Patterson Avenue - Westover Hills Library
1408 Westover Hills Boulevard
List of pools (all operating hours: Monday – Friday, noon – 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon – 7 p.m.
- Battery Park Pool
- 2719 Dupont Circle
- Blackwell Pool
238 E. 14th Street - Fairmont Pool
2000 U Street - Hotchkiss Field Pool
701 E. Brookland Park Boulevard - Powhatan Pool
1000 Apperson Street - Randolph Pool
1507 Grayland Avenue - Woodville Pool
2305 Fairfield Avenue
Salvation Army Extreme Heat and Weather Shelter
- Open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue
Pets, except for service animals, are not permitted at any location.
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