US Cities Expand Cooling Centers Amid Major Heat Wave

Cities across the United States are opening cooling centers as extreme heat waves impact regions including Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Little Rock, Conway, and the D.C. metro area. In Pittsburgh, several Healthy Active Living Centers are serving as cooling sites, with utility company Duquesne Light urging energy conservation to prevent outages. Little Rock and Conway, Arkansas, have opened community centers as shelters in response to heat indexes forecasted up to 110 degrees, with officials stressing the importance of checking on vulnerable groups. Kansas City residents can access cooling centers and receive referrals for fans, air conditioners, and utility assistance via the United Way's 211 helpline. The D.C. area has made libraries, recreation centers, and spraygrounds available, while authorities urge residents to stay hydrated and limit outdoor activities. Across all affected regions, officials advise monitoring wellbeing and looking out for children, seniors, and pets during the ongoing heat wave.