With heat pushing into dangerous territory, Memphis has opened an emergency cooling center at the Hospitality Hub downtown to give residents a break from the brutal weather. The Hub is operating from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with free transportation kicking off at noon for anyone who needs a ride. The site is open to people experiencing homelessness and to anyone looking for relief from the extreme temperatures, and officials are urging Memphians to stay hydrated, seek out air-conditioned spaces and limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.
Where To Go And How To Ride
The City of Memphis Office of Emergency Management laid out the cooling center hours and heat safety reminders in a Facebook post, according to the City of Memphis Office of Emergency Management. Free rides to the Hospitality Hub are available through MATA, and riders can request pickup by calling 901-486-0939, as reported by Action News 5. Officials say MATA pickups typically begin at the posted opening time and take passengers directly to the Hub campus.
Heat Advisory Behind The Move
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for the Mid-South that includes Memphis today, warning that heat-index values could climb high enough to increase the risk of heat-related illness, according to the National Weather Service. That forecast is the same one prompting the city and nonprofit partners to activate cooling sites this week to help protect vulnerable residents.
What The Hub Provides
The Hospitality Hub runs the city’s official warming and cooling center and says guests can expect water, snacks and limited services while doors are open, per Hospitality Hub. Local reporting notes that other shelter providers, including Memphis Union Mission, remain options for overnight needs, and the Hub also connects guests with case management and housing resources, according to Daily Memphian. Organizers recommend checking official updates before heading out, since operating hours can shift with changing weather conditions.
