The National Weather Service has issued a warning about high temperatures for our region. Hamilton County is under an excessive heat watch from Monday, June 17th at noon through Friday, June 21st at 8 PM. The threat is a prolonged period of dangerously hot conditions with heat index values near or exceeding 100F. Overnight lows will only drop into the 70s. Heat exhaustion or heat stroke are likely with prolonged exposure. Some uncertainty revolves around whether storms on Monday and Tuesday may inhibit temperatures from climbing quite as high.

Additionally, the Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency has issued an Air Quality Alert, effective at noon Sunday the 16th, through 11:59 PM on Monday, June 17th. The air quality during this period is considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups”.

Checking on vulnerable populations during excessive heat is crucial to ensure their safety and well-being, as they are at a higher risk for heat-related illnesses. Sharing knowledge about the locations of cooling centers can help vulnerable populations find relief from the extreme heat and prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke. By checking on vulnerable populations and informing them about cooling centers, we can prevent heat-related emergencies and potentially save lives.

Heat related illnesses are a very real and dangerous threat especially for those living in homes without air-conditioning. Outdoor workers, athletes, the elderly, people with a chronic medical condition, children, and the homeless or poor, are most at-risk to heat sickness.

If one does not have air-conditioning or has lost power, it is important to find an air-conditioned environment to give your body a break from the heat. Restaurants, shopping malls, community centers, and libraries are some locations to consider. There are as well a number of locations throughout Hamilton County that specifically welcome individuals and families in need of a place to cool down:  

1) The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County is open during normal business hours, which is typically 10am to 6pm, Monday through Saturday. Sometimes branches experience power outages due to storms which frequently accompany severe weather, so individuals seeking a cooling center are asked to please call the library’s main number, (513) 369-6900, to verify if their local branch is open.

2) Cincinnati Recreation Center locations are open during normal business hours, which varies by location. Please call (513) 352-4000 or visit their website for more information about availability and nearest branch locations.

3) YMCA of Greater Cincinnati is open during normal business hours, which varies by branch. Access during heat emergencies is free for members and nonmembers. Please call (513) 362-9622 or visit the website of your local branch for more information.

Clinton County uses a number of Fire Stations and County Buildings as emergency cooling centers. A list of these Clinton County Cooling Center locations and contact information is available for download.

Likewise, there is also a list of Butler County Cooling Center locations and contact information available for download.

If you have questions about whether pets will be allowed to accompany an individual seeking shelter, call ahead to the location to inquire about their policy.

You can find more health care resources by selecting the “Primary Medical Care” category tab on our Social Service “Utilization Library” page.