Cooling centers open across Hampton Roads during heat wave

Posted: Jun 18, 2024 / 05:49 PM MDT

Updated: Jun 22, 2024 / 06:41 AM MDT

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – Hampton Roads, like much of the country, is going to experience some extreme heat this week. By the end of the weekend it could be downright oppressive here.

Some local events are adjusting schedules as a result and cities are opening up places for residents to get a break from the heat.

Keep in mind, for most cities – these cooling center locations are libraries and community centers which are free places to cool down during normal operating hours every day. If you don’t see your city listed, check with your local library or community center as they may be open.

Emergency management and city officials will communicate if additional places are opened due to demand.

Newport News

Organizers of the Juneteenth Freedom Festival in Newport News announced it is adjusting the event schedule because of the heat wave. The festival will now take place on Saturday, June 22 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Victory Landing Park. It was originally scheduled for earlier in the day. Click here for the updated schedule.

The following cooling centers will be open beginning Thursday, June 20 in Newport News.

The Pearl Bailey, Main Street, and Grissom Libraries
Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Brittingham-Midtown and Denbigh Community Centers
Monday – Friday: 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Four Oaks Day Service Center
The Four Oaks Day Service Center is open daily from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. for residents experiencing homelessness.

Suffolk

Two Suffolk Public Library locations will be open to the public as designated cooling centers. The centers will offer access to air conditioning, water fountains and restrooms.

Morgan Memorial Library
443 West Washington Street
Saturday, June 22
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

North Suffolk Library
2000 Bennetts Creek Park Road
Saturday, June 22
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach residents looking to beat the heat can visit any Virginia Beach Public Library to cool off during regular business hours.

Bayside Area Library: 936 Independence Boulevard
Great Neck Area Library: 1251 Bayne Drive
TCC / City of Virginia Beach Joint-Use Library: 1700 College Crescent, TCC Campus, Building L
Kempsville Area Library: 832 Kempsville Road
Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library: 4100 Virginia Beach Blvd.
Oceanfront Area Library: 700 Virginia Beach Boulevard
Princess Anne Area Library: 1444 Nimmo Parkway
Pungo-Blackwater Library: 916 Princess Anne Road
Wahab Public Law Library: 2425 Nimmo Parkway
Windsor Woods Area Library: 3612 South Plaza Trail

Hampton

The city’s libraries and community centers are available to anyone who needs relief from the heat. On Sunday, when the heat index is expected to climb the highest, community centers will be closed, but the libraries will be open from 1-5 p.m. Emergency Management and the HELP shelter program will monitor the weather to determine if cooling centers or other measures are necessary.

Norfolk

The City of Norfolk has places to cool off at community centers and libaries in the city. For a full list, click here. Families who need help with their cooling costs during the summer may apply for the Cooling Assistance Program. The Cooling Assistance is available to Norfolk residents with cooling expenses and meet eligibility guidelines. For more information and eligibility guidelines about the Cooling Assistance Program, contact the Norfolk Department of Human Services at 757-664-6035.

York County

Due to the forecast for excessive heat this weekend, York County citizens seeking relief from the high temperatures are invited to visit one of the County’s libraries in Tabb and Yorktown. The Tabb Library is located at 100 Long Green Blvd., and the Yorktown Library is located at 8500 George Washington Memorial Highway. Library hours this weekend are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Both libraries have water fountains for visitors.

In addition, the County is opening a cooling center at the Senior Center of York (5314 George Washington Memorial Highway, in the Washington Square Shopping Center) Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Senior Center will have bottled water available.