Cooling centers open across DC, Maryland, Virginia amid heat wave

WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — As scorching heat slams the DMV, causing heat index values to reach the triple digits, local governments across the D.C. metro area are urging people to stay hydrated and limit time outdoors.

The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasted that over the next two days, temperatures will exceed 100 degrees. Officials underscored that the heat combined with high humidity will, at times, push the heat index up to 110 degrees.

Since high temperatures are expected to stick around through the middle of the week, there are several places throughout D.C., Maryland and Virginia where residents can go to beat the heat.

DC News Now has compiled a list of cooling centers and other places around the DMV where officials recommend people go to seek some shelter from the sun:

DC

• Map– D.C. cooling centers

Maryland

Anne Arundel County

• Anne Arundel County Police Department District Station lobbies, senior activity centers and public libraries- For more information on locations and hours, click here.

Montgomery County

• Montgomery County libraries, recreation centers and senior centers– Hours and days of operation vary

Prince George’s County

• Map-Prince George’s County cooling centers

St. Mary’s County

• Lexington Park Library, Leonardtown Library, Charlotte Hall Library– Open June 22- 26, hours vary
• Garvey Senior Activity Center– Open June 22- 26 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 23630 Hayden Farm Lane, Leonardtown.
• Loffler Senior Activity Center– Open June 22- 26 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at 21905 Chancellor’s Run Road, Great Mills.
• Northern Senior Activity Center– Open June 22-26 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at 29655 at Charlotte Hall Road, Charlotte Hall.
• Three Oaks Center– Open June 22-26 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 46905 Lei Drive, Lexington Park.
• St. Mary’s Caring Soup Kitchen– Open June 22-26 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 20311 Point Lookout Road, Great Mills.

Virginia

Arlington

• Arlington libraries– Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Arlington community centers– Hours and days of operation vary
• Spraygrounds– The Arlington spraygrounds will have extended hours from June 23- 29 to give people more time to cool off during the heat wave. The spraygrounds, with the exception of Penrose Square (which is closed for repairs), will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day.

Prince William County

• Prince William County libraries– Hours and days of operation vary, but residents can escape the heat here during normal business hours.

Alexandria

• Recreation centers and libraries– Hours and days of operation vary, but residents can escape the heat here during normal business hours.

Fairfax County

• Map– Fairfax County cooling centers