Evansville Cooling Centers Open During Extreme Heat

As dangerous heat settles into the Tri-State this weekend and continues into next week, the City of Evansville is reminding residents that cooling centers and emergency resources are available for anyone who needs relief from the extreme temperatures.

The announcement comes as the National Weather Service forecasts Major HeatRisk beginning this weekend, with Extreme HeatRisk possible across much of the region later next week. You can read more about what those HeatRisk levels mean and how to stay safe in our related heat safety guide.

Cooling Centers Will Open When Temperatures Exceed 90 Degrees

The Region 12 Regional Planning Council's Summer Contingency Plan is in effect through September 1, 2026.

Whenever temperatures climb above 90 degrees, several locations throughout Evansville will serve as cooling centers for those needing a safe, air-conditioned place to escape the heat.

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Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library

The Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library Central Library will operate as a public cooling center during normal business hours.

Location: 200 SE Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard

Hours:

Monday through Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Visitors are welcome during operating hours but are expected to follow the library's standard code of conduct.

Evansville Rescue Mission

Evansville Rescue Mission will also operate as a daytime cooling center whenever temperatures exceed 90 degrees.

Location: 500 E. Walnut Street

Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The daytime cooling center is open to men, women, and children of all ages.

The Rescue Mission notes that standard facility rules remain in effect during cooling center operations.

Overnight Shelter Is Also Available

For individuals experiencing homelessness, additional overnight accommodations are available through the Region 12 Summer Contingency Plan.

United Caring Services

United Caring Services provides overnight shelter with evening check-in beginning at 8 p.m. and check-out at 7 a.m. Guests also have access to daytime shelter services, including showers, laundry facilities, and meals.

Evansville Rescue Mission

The Evansville Rescue Mission also provides overnight shelter for adult men. Admission requirements and facility guidelines apply.

Extreme Heat Can Become Dangerous Quickly

Heat index values above 105 degrees can significantly increase the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke after as little as 15 minutes of exposure.

Officials encourage everyone to:

Stay hydrated.
Spend time in air-conditioned spaces.
Limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
Check on older adults, neighbors, young children, and anyone without reliable air conditioning.

As temperatures continue climbing over the next several days, knowing where to find relief could make all the difference.

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Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals