Memphis is opening a two-hour cooling center Wednesday afternoon, giving people a brief place to escape the heat at the Hospitality Hub as summer weather bears down.
Cooling Center Runs From 4 To 6 P.M. Wednesday
The City of Memphis Office of Emergency Management says the Hospitality Hub will operate as the city’s emergency cooling center from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 29. The Hub is at 590 Washington Avenue, and free transportation will be available beginning at 4 p.m.; ride requests can be made at 901-486-0939, according to the city’s cooling-center notice.
The Hospitality Hub says it operates Memphis’ emergency warming and cooling center during extreme weather, offering a temporary place of respite for people experiencing homelessness and others who need relief from outdoor conditions. This is another activation at the same site this summer; Hoodline previously reported an earlier June opening there.
Wednesday’s opening comes as the National Weather Service forecast calls for humid conditions in Memphis, with morning thunderstorms possible and a high near 92 degrees. That may sound less apocalyptic than a 100-degree day, but a short cooling window still matters for people without dependable air conditioning.
The city advises people to drink plenty of water, wear lightweight clothing, avoid prolonged outdoor activity during peak heat, and check on older adults, children, neighbors and others who may be vulnerable. Anyone planning to use the center and needing a ride should call the Hospitality Hub transportation line at 901-486-0939, according to the City of Memphis OEM update.
