Though narrowly missing historic records, Alexandria is still embroiled in a region-wide heatwave that has seen temperatures reach the upper 90s.
To help locals handle the heat, the City of Alexandria has announced that it is offering cooling centers to residents — areas where people can check-in and stay to avoid high midday temperatures.
The cooling centers will be available from Saturday, July 18, to Tuesday, July 21.
“Prolonged exposure to hot temperatures and high humidity can cause heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion, cramps, or in extreme cases, heatstroke,” the city said in a press release. “It is especially important for residents with underlying health issues to take extra precautions and plan ahead for this excessive heat event. During extended heat waves, people are advised to stay indoors and limit their exposure to the sun; drink plenty of water; and wear loose, lightweight and light-colored clothing.”
The hazardous weather outlook warning is in effect until Tuesday, July 21. Temperatures are expected to reach the upper 90s with heat indices approaching 105 degrees, the city warned.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, city staff will be screening visitors with a questionnaire and temperature check. Both staff and visitors will be required to wear face masks, maintain six feet of distance, and wash their hands or use hand sanitizer.
Cooling centers are scheduled for the following locations
Saturday, July 18:
- Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center (25 W. Reed Ave.) — 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Mount Vernon Recreation Center (2701 Commonwealth Ave.) — 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe St.) — 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Patrick Henry Recreation Center (4653 Taney Ave.) — 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
- William Ramsay Recreation Center (5650 Sanger Ave.) — 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Torpedo Factory Art Center (105 N. Union St.) — 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday, July 19:
- William Ramsay Recreation Center (5650 Sanger Ave.) — 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe St.) — 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Torpedo Factory Art Center (105 N. Union St.) — 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Monday and Tuesday, July 20 and21
- Oswald Durant Center (1605 Cameron St.) — 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- T.C. Williams High School Minnie Howard Campus (3801 W. Braddock Road) — 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
“Alexandrians are also encouraged to check on neighbors via phone or video chat who may be at risk or do not have access to air conditioning,” the city said. “Keep pets indoors as much as possible with plenty of freshwater, use caution when walking them on hot pavement, and do not leave pets or children in vehicles, even if the air conditioning is on.”
Photo via City of Alexandria
Recent Stories
A look at the smallest and largest homes sold in Alexandria last month, March 2024.
Alexandria Civil Rights leader Ira Robinson, the first Black man elected to the City Council after Reconstruction, died last Friday at his home in Temecula, California. Robinson was 85 years…
Here’s a roundup of all the events, live music, and entertainment happening around Alexandria this weekend; enjoy! Are you organizing an event? Submit events to ALXnow. Friday, April 26 Things…
Port City’s Optimal Wit, its most iconic beer, took home the gold medal at the World Beer Cup. The World Beer Cup is an international beer competition hosted by the…
For many remote workers, a messy home is distracting.
You’re getting pulled into meetings, and your unread emails keep ticking up. But you can’t focus because pet hair tumbleweeds keep floating across the floor, your desk has a fine layer of dust and you keep your video off in meetings so no one sees the chaos behind you.
It’s no secret a dirty home is distracting and even adds stress to your life. And who has the energy to clean after work? That’s why it’s smart to enlist the help of professionals, like Well-Paid Maids.
Monarch Montessori School is now enrolling infants, toddlers and three year-olds for its full-time Montessori program. We offer a seamless enrollment process which involves submitting an application for review, paying the enrollment fee and submitting the remaining enrollment materials before your proposed start date.
At Monarch Montessori School, we aim to provide an authentic Montessori learning experience. At our Alexandria location, we currently have 8 openings in our Primary classroom (ages 3-6), and 6 openings in our Toddler classroom. Additionally, there are 3 infant openings at this time.
Our first floor space is an open concept. Infants and toddlers share the same large classroom. Children ages 3-6 are in two classrooms on our second floor. Each classroom has one lead and assistant guide. We offer a year-round program, with intermittent breaks for Spring Break and Winter Break.
Scholarship Fund of Alexandria Annual Gala & Auction
Do good while having a good time at the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria’s 38th Annual Gala and Auction at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center. The fun begins with a 2-hour open bar reception while mingling with 499 other Alexandrians who
