DES MOINES, Iowa – The City of Des Moines is experiencing record-setting extreme heat this week. Temperatures are projected to surpass 100 degrees on Thursday, creating dangerously hot conditions for Des Moines residents. Continual exposure to extreme heat has the potential to cause health-related illness and death.
City officials have outlined numerous daytime cooling locations at which residents can seek refuge from these dangerously high temperatures. Daytime cooling sites are air-conditioned facilities where residents can temporarily go during periods of extreme temperatures. Such places include malls, libraries, and local shelters. Residents wishing to cool off with their pets are welcome to visit the Animal Rescue League Main Location at 5452 NE 22nd St. Free transportation to and from daytime cooling centers will be available during incidents of extreme heat.
Des Moines residents are also encouraged to beat the heat by utilizing the City’s various splash pads, spraygrounds and aquatic centers. However, due to staffing and maintenance issues, not all aquatic facilities are operating on a daily basis. To learn what facilities are operating on any given day, please contact Des Moines Parks and Recreation at 515-237-1386.
The City has identified the following locations as possible cooling options:
- Southridge Mall (1111 E. Army Post Rd.) – 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday; Noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday
- Merle Hay Mall (3800 Merle Hay Rd.) – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday; Noon to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday
- Central Library (1000 Grand Ave.) – 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday; 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday
- East Side Library (2559 Hubbell Ave.) – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday
- Forest Ave. Library (1326 Forest Ave.) – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday
- Franklin Ave. Library (5000 Franklin Ave.) – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday; 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday
- North Side Library (3516 Fifth Ave.) – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday
- South Side Library (1111 Porter Ave.) – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday
Local Shelters
- Central Iowa Shelter and Services (CISS), 1420 Mulberry
CISS is offering relief for those who need a break from the oppressive heat and will operate under a weather amnesty until the temperature is below 90 degrees for 48 hours.
Partnering Agencies Efforts
- DART is assisting by providing free transport for individuals needing to get to CISS or identified cooling centers.
- The Animal Rescue League Main Location (5452 NE 22nd St.) is assisting by providing a space for residents to temporarily cool off with their pets.
Extreme Heat Resources and Information:
Learn how to protect yourself and others from extreme heat by visiting Polk County’s website: https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/health-department/extreme-heat/.
