Several cooling centers open in Sacramento region amid dangerously hot weather

Several cooling centers are set to open in the Sacramento region Thursday through Saturday evening to help unhoused people and anyone without air conditioning escape dangerously hot temperatures. 

Forecasters expect the high to be 105 degrees in Sacramento on Friday and 102 on Saturday, before cooling to 87 on Sunday. 

The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for the region, including the Delta and foothills, that runs from 11 a.m. Friday through 11 p.m. on Saturday. 

Sacramento cooling center locations:

• The city of Sacramento’s former Science Center at 3615 Auburn Blvd. The facility is now known as the Outreach and Engagement Center and serves as a weather respite location. It will be open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, according to a city news release. The center can accommodate up to 50 people, offers space for pets and belongings. Visitors will be provided water, snacks and device recharging.
• The county of Sacramento is extending hours at three Department of Human Assistance [DHA] offices to serve as cooling centers Thursday through Saturday evening. The DHA Annex at 1725 28th St. in Midtown will be open from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. The DHA Service Center at 5747 Watt Ave. in North Highlands will be open from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday. Additionally, the DHA Service Center at 2450 Florin Road in South Sacramento will be open from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, according to the county.

Elk Grove cooling centers: 

• Elk Grove City Hall at 8400 Laguna Palms Way is opening as a cooling center from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, according to a city news release. The space will offer seating, water, and air-conditioning. Visitors will be required to wear face coverings and masks will be provided. The facility cannot accommodate pets. 

In addition, anyone looking to cool off can also use public libraries and community centers during their normal business hours.