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Ulster County is opening cooling centers to help residents cope with the ongoing heatwave. In Kingston, the 2Nda Iglesia La Mision Church on Elmendorf Street will operate a cooling center from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday (June 26). Meanwhile, in Ellenville, the Trudy Farber Building on Center Street will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. through Thursday (June 26). These centers are activated when temperatures are predicted to reach 90 degrees or higher for three or more consecutive days.
The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for Kingston and surrounding areas, with heat index values expected to reach between 105 and 110 degrees on Monday (June 23) and Tuesday (June 24). According to the Daily Freeman, residents are encouraged to take advantage of these centers to stay safe and cool.
Ulster County offers several other cooling centers, including the Elting Memorial Library in New Paltz and the Rosendale Recreation Center. These centers provide a respite from the heat and are accessible via UCAT bus routes. For more information on locations and operating hours, residents can visit the Ulster County Emergency Services website.
The county also provides safety tips during extreme heat, such as wearing light clothing, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours. Hudson Valley One advises checking on vulnerable individuals, including seniors and children, to ensure their well-being during the heatwave.