Record Number of Excessive Heat Warnings Issued for City of New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS — The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an Excessive Heat Warning in the New Orleans area for Thursday, June 29 from 10 A.M. until 8 P.M. According to NWS, 2023 has now surpassed the record for the most number of excessive heat warnings in a year. Only five (5) Excessive Heat Warnings were issued for all of 2022, whereas Thursday will mark the 7th day.
The weather forecast indicates that high humidity levels will result in heat index values – that is, temperatures that “feel like” – up to 120 degrees on Thursday. Dangerously hot temperatures likely to continue through the remainder of the week. The combination of afternoon heat index readings above 110 degrees and morning lows remaining well above normal will provide little if any relief for the body to cool for those without access to air conditioning or cooling centers.
These hot temperatures can become life-threatening if the proper precautions are not taken. Residents can visit weatherwise.nola.gov to find localized updates on weather conditions when considering outdoor activities.
NOLA READY HEAT RELIEF MAP
Earlier this month, the City of New Orleans launched the NOLA Ready Heat Relief Map, which can be found at https://ready.nola.gov. This interactive map lists free, indoor air-conditioned locations for the general public.
Businesses or organizations that are willing to act as a free community cooling site should email ready@nola.gov with the address, dates, and hours to be added to the map.
HEAT RELIEF RESOURCES FOR THURSDAY, JUNE 29 & FRIDAY, JUNE 30:
Individuals seeking refuge during the daytime may visit the following locations on Thursday, June 29 AND Friday, June 30:
- Arthur Monday Community Center is open Monday - Friday, 7 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. (1111 Newton Street, Suite 101)
- Carrollton-Hollygrove Senior Center is open Monday - Friday, 8 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. (3300 Hamilton St)
- Algiers Courthouse is open Monday - Friday, 8:30 A.M. - 2:45 P.M. (225 Morgan Street, Room 209)
- Louisiana SPCA is open Monday - Saturday, 12 P.M. - 7 P.M. (1700 Mardi Gras Blvd)
- OHL Sobering Center is open 24/7 (732 N Claiborne Ave)
- New Orleans East Opportunity Center is open Thursday and Friday, June 29-30, 10 A.M. – 5 P.M. (12000 Hayne Blvd)
- NORDC locations are open as follows:
- Rosenwald “Annex” Senior Building is open Monday - Friday, 9 A.M. – 7 P.M. (1120 S. Broad St)
- NORD Annunciation Center is open Monday – Friday, 9 A.M. – 5 P.M. (800 Race St)
- Desire-Florida Multi-Purpose Recreation Center is open Monday-Friday, 9 A.M. – 7 P.M. (3250 Industry St)
- NORDC Aquatics will be open as follows:
- Joe Brown Pool is open 2 P.M. - 6 P.M. (5601 Read Blvd)
- Sanchez Center Pool is open Monday – Friday, 2 P.M. - 6 P.M. (1616 Fats Domino Ave)
- Stallings Gentilly Pool is open Monday – Friday, 2 P.M. - 6 P.M. (2700 Lapeyrouse St)
- Treme Pool is open Monday – Friday, 2 P.M. - 6 P.M.(900 N. Villere St)
- Lyons Pool is open Monday – Friday, 2 P.M. - 6 P.M. (624 Louisiana Ave)
- Federal City Pool on Naval Base is open Monday – Friday, 2 P.M. - 6 P.M. (2220 Constitution St)
- Rosenwald Pool is open Thursday – Friday, 2 P.M. - 6 P.M. (1120 N. Broad St)
- Pradat Pool is open Thursday – Friday, 2 P.M. - 6 P.M. (7200 Dreaux Ave)
- All New Orleans Public Library locations are open Monday – Thursday, 10 A.M. - 7 P.M. and Friday – Saturday, 10 A.M. - 5 P.M., with the following exceptions:
- Main Library is open Monday - Thursday, 10 A.M. - 6 P.M. and Friday – Saturday, 10 A.M. - 5 P.M.
- Rosa Keller Library & Community Center is closed due to facilities maintenance.
- Milton H. Latter Memorial Library is closed due to facilities maintenance.
- For Unhoused Individuals:
- Ozanam Inn has a cooling area from 5:30 A.M. – 6:30 P.M. daily (2239 Poydras St)
- New Orleans Women & Children's Shelter will be open 9 A.M. -5 P.M.
- The New Orleans Mission will open their Day Center as a cooling site and provide water 10 A.M. - 4 P.M. daily.
- Grace at the Greenlight will be open 6:30 A.M. - 7:15 A.M. daily and will have water on hand.
SAFETY TIPS
Residents are advised to take the following precautions to prevent health emergencies due to overexposure to extreme heat:
People Over Age 65 Are At Higher Risk For Heat Related Illness
- Stay in air-conditioned spaces.
- Wear light, loose fitting clothing made from breathable materials.
- Take cool showers.
- Keep your windows covered.
- Rest.
- Stay in contact with loved ones.
- Seek medical care immediately if you begin showing symptoms of heat related illness.
How To Help An Older Adult In The Heat
- Know what medications they take, and check if they can increase risk for heat related illness.
- Check in with them regularly, making sure they are somewhere cool and are staying hydrated.
- Place fans close to walls to reduce risk of tripping over wires or extension cords.
- Get medical care for them if they begin showing symptoms of heat-related illness.
How To Help Someone With Dementia Or Alzheimer’s During Extreme Heat
- Make sure they are dressed appropriately for the weather.
- Make sure they stay hydrated; they may forget to drink enough water. Drinking water at the same time as them may help.
- Keep glasses of water within easy reach. Straws may also help if they have limited mobility.
- Eat high water content foods with them, such as ice pops, watermelon and cucumber.
Children & Pets
- Children and pets should never be left unattended in a vehicle.
- Even in 70-degree weather, the interior temperature of a vehicle can increase rapidly to over 100 degrees in just 20 minutes.
- Cracking a window does not help.
- Leaving a child or pet unattended in a vehicle often leads to a life-threatening emergency.
- Anyone who sees a child or animal unattended in a vehicle is urged to call 9-1-1 immediately.
SUSPENSION OF SERVICE DISCONNECTIONS
Entergy New Orleans does not disconnect on days that the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory, which is expected to last through July 4, 2023. Residents can call 1-800-ENTERGY to report outages. The Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) will also suspend shut offs for delinquent accounts. Please call 52-WATER to report any water or sewer emergencies.
For more information about heat-related illnesses and tips on staying cool, please visit ready.nola.gov/
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