Prepared for the heat wave? Here’s what Lexington offers when it’s especially hot
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Lexington prepares a multi-phase heat plan triggered by heat index thresholds.
- Cooling centers and free Lextran rides activate when heat index exceeds 95°F.
- City expands services during prolonged heat, including pool discounts and more.
As temperatures in Kentucky are expected to soar into the 90s — with extreme humidity — in the coming days, Lexington has several cooling opportunities and other services if temperatures reach dangerous levels.
The National Weather Service’s seven-day forecast for Lexington predicts a high temperature of at least 90 degrees every day from Saturday to at least Thursday. The temperatures, mixed with oppressive humidity, are expected to push the heat index to around 100 degrees.
Heat index measures how hot it feels when factoring in temperature and humidity.
The NWS’ Weather Prediction Center warns the Ohio Valley is one of the at-risk areas for dangerous heat next week, including a greater than 60% chance of extreme heat throughout the region by Wednesday.
The city of Lexington’s heat plan is activated when the temperature reaches at least 95 degrees or NWS issues a heat advisory.
The plan was created by the Division of Emergency Management, which communicates updates when the plan is activated.
The plan has four phases. The first phase opens cooling centers across the city at:
Salvation Army, 736 W. Main St.
Hope Center, 360 W. Loudon Ave.
Catholic Action Center, 1055 Industry Road
Arbor Youth Services, 536 W. Third St. and 540 W. Third St.
Lexington Rescue Mission, 444 Glen Arvin Ave.
Mountain Comp Care, 1060 Goodwin Drive
New Life Day Center, N. Martin Luther King Boulevard
New Vista, 201 Mechanic St.
Nathaniel Mission, 1109 Versailles Road, Suite 400
In phase one, the city also offers additional transportation services, including homeless people free rides to cooling centers on Lextran buses.
HopeMobile and Lexington Street Outreach offer rides to shaded areas and provide water, basic needs and other materials, too.
Emily Fay, public information officer for the city’s Division of Emergency Management, said officials are monitoring the forecast and will activate the plan if necessary.
If the NWS issues a heat watch — which indicates heat indices above 105 degrees during the day and a low of at least 80 degrees for two consecutive days — the city will activate phase two of its heat plan. Services offered in phase two include repeating steps from phase one, offering discounted admission to Lexington Parks and Recreation pools, and an additional cooling center at Dunbar Community Center.
City officials activate phase three if the NWS issues a heat warning that is expected to last three or more days. Services offered in phase three include repeating steps from phases one and two while opening more community cooling centers.
The fourth phase involves deactivating the plan and closing cooling centers once hot temperatures have subsided.
How to stay safe outside
When there’s both high heat and humidity, people are encouraged to be more deliberate about keeping themselves cool. Sweat cannot evaporate from the human body as efficiently during times of high humidity, diminishing its cooling effect as the body heats up.
This can cause heat stress, which in turn can lead to heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke and exhaustion.
Some ways to handle the heat include:
- Stay hydrated with water and clear fluids.
- Don’t rely on caffeinated drinks like coffee or energy drinks.
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Trapping heat near your body can contribute to heat-related illnesses.
- Spend as much time in air-conditioned spaces as you can. Even if you’re working outdoors, try to get a break inside for a few minutes to cool off.
- If you’re working outside, go slow and allow your body time to acclimate to the heat. Pair up with a buddy and watch out for each other.
- Know the signs of heat illness. If you’re getting cramps, headaches, dizziness or sweating excessively, seek medical care.
