COOLING CONTINGENCY PLAN REMAINS ACTIVATED, EXTREME HEAT WARNING ISSUED
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for Duval County today from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with heat index values reaching up to 115 degrees. Dangerous heat is expected to persist through Friday, and the City of Jacksonville Cooling Center Contingency Plan remains active in response.
When activated Monday-Saturday, Cooling Centers will be available at various City of Jacksonville (COJ) facilities during normal hours of operation. These facilities stay open on their regular schedule regardless of whether activation thresholds are met, and they include:
- All COJ Public Libraries (21 libraries): Accessible and air-conditioned spaces.
- All COJ Community Centers (20 centers): Available in multiple neighborhoods.
- All Splash Pads (18 pads) and Cecil Aquatics Center (the other COJ pools are now only open on weekends due to school being back in session): Provide immediate cooling relief.
Free rides to cooling centers are available through the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) on activation days. Riders must let the bus driver know they're headed to a Cooling Center.
Given the severity of today's warning, please take extra precautions if you have outdoor plans:
- Avoid outdoor activity between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. if at all possible. If you must be outside, find shade and take frequent breaks in cooler areas.
- Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles, as temperatures can quickly become dangerously high and potentially fatal.
- Watch for symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke — dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and confusion. If you or someone else experiences these symptoms, seek medical help immediately and move to a cooler environment.
For additional information on Stay Cool Jax, visit JaxReady.com/StayCoolJax, which features details on locations, hours of operation, and amenities for all Cooling Centers throughout Jacksonville.