A major heat wave is hitting the commonwealth, with temperatures expected to hit the upper 90s and lower 100s. With the National Weather Service issuing an excessive heat warning, local officials are making plans to keep Kentuckians cool.

The combo of hot temperatures and high humidity will increase the threat of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Staying hydrated and limiting time outdoors are the best ways to avoid heat-related illness. 

(National Weather Service)

Dressing in light, loose-fitting clothes will also help keep your body core temperature regulated. In addition, keep a close eye on children, pets and older adults in the days ahead.

Public malls, museums and other large buildings with air conditioning are great places to keep cool. You can always call 2-1-1 for help finding official cooling centers near you.

Here’s how to find help in some of Kentucky’s most populous areas.

Lexington

Lexington opened cooling centers today at Dunbar Community Center, Tates Creek Golf Course, Picadome Golf Course and the Lexington Senior Center.

The centers will be open through the week to residents who need a break from the soaring heat forecast for this week:

• Dunbar Community Center, at 545 N. Upper Street, will be open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday-Friday.
• Tates Creek Golf Course, 1400 Gainesway Drive, open from 8 a.m. to dark, Monday-Friday.
• Picadome Golf Course, 469 Parkway Drive, open from 8 a.m.-dark, Monday-Friday.
• Lexington Senior Center, 195 Life Lane, open from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Louisville

All branches of the Louisville Free Public Library serve as cooling stations during dangerously high heat events. Jefferson County residents can also seek out the St. Matthews and Oxmoor malls to access free air conditioning and stay safe.

Louisville Metro Government has the following cooling centers:

• Neighborhood Place locations - There are eight locations throughout Louisville. To find the nearest location, call 311 or 502-574-5000
• Community Centers - Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation's 14 community center throughout the city
• Senior Nutrition Sites - The Louisville Metro Senior Nutrition Program operates 14 sites

Operation White Flag, coordinated by the Coalition for the Homeless, is a program to ensure individuals experiencing houselessness can find shelter during severe weather. Operation White Flag goes into effect when the temperature or heat index is 95 degrees or higher, and a white flag will fly outside each participating shelter signaling their participation in the program. Persons needing shelter can stay at the participating Operation White Flag shelter while weather conditions persist. These shelters include:

• Wayside Christian Mission (accepts cats and dogs), 432 E. Jefferson St.
• Salvation Army Center (day shelter only), 911 S. Brook St.

Waived TARC fees

When Operation White Flag is in effect, TARC waives fares for those who need transportation to one of the participating shelters. The passenger should alert the driver when boarding and can ride to the nearest shelter fare-free.

Water distribution

Extreme heat can pose an elevated risk of dehydration and its effects. To help prevent dehydration during the heat, especially among the homeless population, Metro employees and volunteers will make multiple passes throughout the day to sites with high populations of homeless individuals to ensure water is available to those in need.

Pools, splash pads and spray grounds

Louisville Metro Parks outdoor pools will be open during regular hours during the heatwave. Additionally, Metro Parks has over 30 splash- pads and spray grounds open and operating from dawn until dusk.

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