ALEXANDRIA, VA-The National Weather Service expects near-record-high temperatures in Alexandria each afternoon this weekend, prompting the cancelation of Portside in Old Town Summer Festival on Saturday, June 22.
ALX Jazz Fest @ Portside on Friday, June 21, will proceed as planned from 6 to 9 p.m. Additional heat mitigation measures will be in place. Water will be available from food vendors, and medical professionals will be onsite.
The weekend’s expected hot weather increases the risk of heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion and heat stroke for those who are more sensitive to heat. Drink plenty of water before temperatures rise to prevent feeling sick from dehydration.
Select Cooling Center Hours Extended and Program Changes
All Alexandria Library locations are open for regular hours. At this time, no planned events have been canceled.
- Saturday, June 22: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
- Sunday, June 23: 1-5 p.m.
The Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA) has announced extended hours at cooling centers, and made the following changes to our City’s weekend programming:
Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe St.)
Alexandria Transit Company (DASH) Bus Routes Available: OTC 30 & 31, 10AB
- Saturday, June 22: The Juneteenth Celebration will take place fully indoors.
- Extended hours for Sunday, June 23:
- 10 a.m.-1 p.m.: Cooling Center Staffing Only, no programs, classes or drop in sports available during this time.
- 1-5 p.m.: Center open for regular programming and drop in activities.
- 5-7 p.m.: Cooling Center Staffing Only, no programs, classes or drop in sports available during this time.
Patrick Henry Recreation Center (4653 Taney Ave.)
DASH Bus Route Available: 8W
- Extended Hours for Sunday, June 23: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.: Cooling Center Staffing Only, no programs, classes or drop in sports available during this time.
All programming being held outdoors will be moved indoors where possible, Friday through Sunday. RPCA will determine opening of additional centers on an as needed basis. For more information on cooling centers, facility hours and more, visit alexandriava.gov/RPCA
Heat Illness: What You Should Know
Protect yourself by learning about the signs of heat illnesses. If you notice signs of heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, nausea or vomiting and dizziness, you may be experiencing heat exhaustion. If you notice an extremely high body temperature, confusion, hot and dry skin (no sweating), a rapid, strong pulse, or become unconscious, you may be experiencing a heat stroke.
Take action by moving to a cool location, including City facilities, and rest and drink fluids. If symptoms of heat stroke occur, immediately call 9-1-1.
For information or ongoing updates, please tune in to local media and visit alexandriava.gov.
For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Katie Bishop at Katie.Bishop@alexandriava.
