An excessive heat warning for Hennepin County has been issued for Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, as the heat index value exceeds 110 degrees, followed by a heat advisory on Thursday. During this time, overnight temperatures will not drop below 70 degrees providing little to no relief.
To help beat the heat, a number of cooling spaces will be open for people seeking shelter. Hennepin and Ramsey Counties have interactive maps where people can find public spaces to cool down. For example, all 41 Hennepin County libraries provide an air-conditioned space for keeping cool where you can enjoy books or browse the internet while using free Wi-Fi or public computers.
Also, the Salvation Army is reminding people that all Twin Cities service centers will be serving as cooling centers during the heat streak. Salvation Army service centers will be open during normal business hours, welcoming anyone needing respite from the heat.
The Salvation Army cooling centers:
- Salvation Army Temple, 1604 E. Lake St., Minneapolis, 612-721-1513
- Salvation Army Parkview, 2024 Lyndale Ave. N., Minneapolis, 612-522-4871
- Salvation Army Noble, 10011 Noble Pkwy., Brooklyn Park, 763-425-0517
- Salvation Army Eastside,1019 Payne Ave., St. Paul, 651-776-8169
- Salvation Army Citadel, 401 West 7th Street, St. Paul, 651-224-4316
- Salvation Army Lakewood, 2080 Woodlynn Ave., St. Paul, 651-779-9177
- Salvation Army Central, 2727 Central Ave. NE, Minneapolis, 612-789-2858
Populations at risk
In the United States, more than 600 Americans die of complications from overheating annually. Young children, senior citizens, pregnant people and people who are sick or overweight are most vulnerable. The populations in Minnesota most at-risk from extreme heat include, but are not limited to:
- Children under age five, people age 15-34, and adults age 65+, especially those living alone
- People with chronic medical conditions, like heart disease or high blood pressure
- People of all ages who are doing extended or heavy physical activity, like playing sports or working outdoors
- People living at or below the poverty line
- People experiencing homelessness
Stay safe
Take care of yourselves and each other by checking in on neighbors, family, friends, and those who are vulnerable to extreme heat conditions.
Tips on preventing heat-related illnesses include:
- Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, throughout the day.
- Keeping cool by visiting air-conditioned places if your home is hot.
- Being informed by the weather forecast and adjusting activities as necessary to stay safe in the heat.
- Knowing the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
General heat-safety tips include:
- Never leave children, disabled adults or pets in parked vehicles. Temperatures inside a parked vehicle can rapidly rise to a dangerous level.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
Air quality will be a factor
In addition to the higher temperatures, air quality is expected to be in the yellow (moderate) range. Here are the precautions you can take:
- Monitor the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s website for current and future air quality alerts.
- Download the AirNow mobile app.
- Visit Hennepin County’s Climate Action webpage for tips on staying healthy during poor air quality.
Air quality will be a factor
In addition to the higher temperatures, air quality is expected to be in the yellow (moderate) range. Here are the precautions you can take:
- Monitor the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s website for current and future air quality alerts.
- Download the AirNow mobile app.
- Visit Hennepin County’s Climate Action webpage for tips on staying healthy during poor air quality.