Syracuse, N.Y. – Syracuse has opened cooling centers in two community centers Tuesday amid oppressive heat, officials said.
Residents are also being encouraged to take advantage of the city’s public pools and splash pads to stay cool and safe.
Heat advisories have been issued for much of Upstate New York Tuesday with the heat index projected to hit 100 degrees in some areas, according to the National Weather Service.
Cooling centers will be open at the Cecile Community Center, 174 West Seneca Turnpike, and the Magnarelli Community Center, 2308 Grant Boulevard, from noon to 8 p.m., according to a news release from Mayor Ben Walsh.
The centers’ hours were increased due to heat advisories extending until 8 p.m. Tuesday.
The state Health Department has an extensive list of all available cooling centers on its website.
City pools are also open from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday. Lincoln Park Pool is closed due to a mechanical problem, officials said.
Splash pads and spray features are also available throughout the city parks for those looking to cool off. A list of all city pools and splash pads are available on the city’s website.
The weather service warns people to try to limit activities, seek shade and drink plenty of water if people are outside during the worst of the heat.
Kids play with the water spray feature at Washington Square Park on Syracuse's North Side. High temperatures in the 90-degree range forced city schools to close for a half day on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. (Katrina Tulloch)This is CNY