With temperatures soaring and an extreme heat warning issued for Orange County, local officials are taking measures to help residents stay cool. An extreme heat watch, previously announced, has been escalated to a warning through Wednesday, with heat index values climbing up to a potentially dangerous 115 degrees. In response, several cooling centers have been activated across the county to provide respite from the blistering heat.
Orange County residents can find shelter from the heat at the Southern Branch Library in Carrboro and the RENA Community Center in Chapel Hill. The library will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, while the RENA Community Center will operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on both days. Unfortunately, the Orange County Main Library cannot serve as a cooling location due to a broken chiller motor. This information is detailed on the Town of Carrboro website.
Carrboro residents also have additional support available to them. Misting tents have been set up at Carrboro Town Commons, and bottled water is available for those who need it. The Carrboro Fire and Police Departments are open to the community as well, providing further assistance for residents battling the severe temperatures.
Similarly, Hillsborough has made arrangements for its residents with the availability of cooling resources at Orange County Social Services and the Passmore Center, open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Weaver Street Market and the Hillsborough Courthouse are also welcoming residents, offering an escape from the heat until 9 p.m. and 5 p.m., respectively.
