ALEXANDRIA, VA – The temperature in Alexandria today is expected to rise by the hour. By 2 p.m., the forecast indicates it will be 93, rising a degree hourly until 5 p.m., when rain should fall. Right now, with the humidity, it feels like 103. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory, saying that current conditions are hazardous and are likely to continue through Sunday.
Following this advisory, the City of Alexandria has opened cooling centers in various locations.
- Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe St.)
- Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center (25 West Reed Ave.)
- Mount Vernon Recreation Center (2701 Commonwealth Ave.)
- Patrick Henry Recreation Center (4653 Taney Ave.)
- William Ramsay Recreation Center (5650 Sanger Ave.)
Click HERE for hours of operation.
The Alexandria Library’s branches are also an option. They are open Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m.to 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Find the addresses below:
- Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library (5005 Duke St.)
- Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library (717 Queen St.)
- Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library (4701 Seminary Rd.),
- James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library (2501 Commonwealth Ave.)
- Local History/Special Collections Branch is open Monday to Wednesday, from 10 a.m.- 8 p.m, closed on Thursday, open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and closed on Sunday.
Lengthy heat exposure can cause many illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. People with underlying health conditions are especially vulnerable. Take care to stay cool. Follow these tips:
- Stay indoors and limit exposure to the sun.
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- Drink plenty of fluids. Drink more water than usual, and don’t wait to be thirsty to drink.
- Wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing.
- Do not leave infants, children, people with medical conditions, or pets in a parked car even if the windows are cracked or even for short periods of time.
- Monitor people around you, including co-workers, neighbors, and friends, for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
- Learn what you can do if you are concerned about someone who is homeless.
Residents 60 years are older can contact the city’s Serior Care Cool Program. It provides fans and additional assistance for those who meet certain requirements. Call 703-746-5999 to learn more.
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