Heat Dome Traps Southwest, Cities Open Numerous Cooling Centers

A severe heatwave is impacting the Southwest, particularly Tucson, where temperatures are expected to reach up to 111°F, creating dangerous conditions under a persistent heat dome. The City of Tucson, along with the American Red Cross, has launched outreach efforts focused on vulnerable neighborhoods with many manufactured homes, opening the Fred Archer Center as a new designated cooling center to replace the El Rio Center. These efforts aim to reduce heat-related illnesses and deaths, which disproportionately affect older adults, with nearly 60% of heat-related fatalities in Pima County involving those aged 60 and older. Tucson’s Heat Action Roadmap and Worker Protection Ordinance have been credited with saving lives by increasing cooling options, raising heat risk awareness, and protecting workers exposed to extreme heat. Similarly, Houston is expanding its network of cooling centers, adding 23 new sites thanks to a donation from energy company Reliant, supporting residents during the intense heatwave. Other cities, such as Columbia, are also providing public access to cooling centers to help residents cope with extreme temperatures.