Beat the heat: Charlotte opens sites to stay cool during dangerous weekend temps

From libraries to recreation centers, Mecklenburg County on Saturday opened a range of “cooling station” sites for residents to escape dangerously high humidity and temperatures forecast through Monday.

Sites also include pools, homeless shelters, spraygrounds and splash pads.

Charlotte Area Transit System will offer rides to the locations, according to a county news release.

A heat advisory for Mecklenburg and surrounding counties will be in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, National Weather Service meteorologists said.

“Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses,” according to the advisory.

The heat index in Charlotte is expected to reach 110 on Saturday and 112 on Sunday, according to the NWS Charlotte forecast. The heat index is what the outdoors feel like combining temperature and humidity.

“Public Health continues to recommend that residents take extra precautions as heat-related illness can be more severe as the body temperature rises,” according to the county statement.

These cooling station sites will be available:

The Roof Above Day Services Center at 945 N. College St. in Charlotte will be open 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. daily through the heat event.

Outreach staff continue to visit homeless encampments with water and to let people know about the relief centers available through Monday.

David B. Waymer Recreation Center, 14008 Holbrooks Road, Huntersville, CATS Route 48x. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday, and regular hours Monday-Friday.

Eastway Regional Recreation Center, 3150 Eastway Park Drive, Charlotte, Route 39. Open 5:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Saturday, 1-6:30 p.m. Sunday and regular hours Monday-Friday.

Ivory/Baker Recreation Center, 1920 Stroud Park Court, Charlotte, Routes 21/26. Open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday, open regular hours Monday-Friday.

Northern Regional Recreation Center, 18121 Old Statesville Road, Cornelius. No bus service. Open 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Saturday, 1-6:30 p.m. Sunday and regular hours Monday-Friday.

Revolution Park Sports Academy, 1225 Remount Road, Charlotte. Routes 2/10. Open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday and regular hours Monday-Friday.

Tyvola Senior Center, 2225 Tyvola Road., Charlotte, Closest route 12 or Lynx Blue Line Tyvola Station. Closed Saturday and Sunday, open regular hours Monday-Friday.

Recreation and senior center locations and regular hours of operation are available online.

Double Oaks Family Aquatic Center, 2014 Statesville Ave., open noon-6 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Aug. 23.

Cordelia Pool, 2100 N. Davidson St., open noon to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Aug. 23.

Aug. 29-Sept. 7, outdoor pools will open noon-6 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day only.

These Mecklenburg County spraygrounds will be open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily:

Clarks Creek Community Park, 5435 Hucks Road.

Cordelia Park, 600 E. 24th St.

Ezell Park, 4155 Mintwood Drive in Mint Hill.

First Ward Park, 301 E. Seventh St.

Latta Park, 601 E. Park Ave.

Nevin Park, 6100 Statesville Road.

West Charlotte Recreation Center, 2401 Kendall Drive.