Towns across Oakland County threw open cooling centers Tuesday. The National Weather Service predicts a heat index between 105 and 110 degrees for Wednesday, with temperatures climbing to 101 degrees before hovering around 100 degrees Thursday and dropping to 97 degrees Friday.
Officials warn that summer heat can trigger poor air quality. Authorities push residents to check on family, friends, neighbors, and pets to ensure everyone remains safe during the sweltering conditions.
Over a dozen municipalities have fired up facilities to help residents beat the heat.
Auburn Hills Community Center at 3350 E. Seyburn Drive remains open through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. but shuts down Friday through Sunday for the holiday. Farmington Hills operates two spots, including the Costick Activities Center at 28600 W. Eleven Mile Road from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Thursday.
Royal Oak provides three choices. The senior center at 3500 Marais Ave. and the library at 222 E. 11 Mile Road both operate from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Thursday, while the Salter Community Center at 1545 E. Lincoln Ave. opens from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. during the same stretch.
Troy Community Center at 3179 Livernois Road keeps the longest hours. It opens at 5 a.m. Wednesday and operates through Saturday. Pontiac’s Bowens Senior Center at 52 Bagley St. runs from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Thursday.
Berkley Library at 3155 Coolidge Hwy. opens from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Wednesday, then switches to 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Waterford Township Library at 5168 Civic Center Drive runs from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Wednesday before closing at 5 p.m. Thursday.