In Richmond, we’re gearing up for a weekend of moderate heat risk. On days with moderate heat risk, it’s okay for most people to spend some time outside. It might be a good day to avoid staying outside for long periods of time. If you’re more sensitive to heat because of your age or a health condition, you might plan more time inside.
How do we know how to plan? This year, we’ve got CDC’s HeatRisk dashboard, which helps you look at the week ahead and figure out how heat might impact your day-to-day life.
As we move into summer holidays, you can check the HeatRisk dashboard just like you would check the forecast for rain when making plans. On major or extreme heat risk days, you can reschedule outdoor events or spend more of your time in an air-conditioned public space, like a museum or a shopping center. There is also cooling refuge in locations across the region:
- Richmond Department of Social Services Marshall Plaza: 900 E. Marshall St., Suite 160, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
- Richmond Department of Social Services – Southside Plaza: 4100 Hull Street Road, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
- Richmond Public Libraries (check individual locations for hours)
- Henrico County Public Libraries (check individual locations for hours)
- Henrico County Recreation facilities (call individual locations for hours)
GRTC bus service is zero-fare this summer and all GRTC buses are air-conditioned.
Extreme heat is a serious challenge that requires creative solutions of all sizes to keep our communities safe. We can start by staying informed and making the impacts of extreme heat visible thanks to the HeatRisk dashboard!
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