The bright sun sets behind some trees near Soleng Tom Elementary School on Tucson's east side.
With temperatures soaring into the triple digits, the City of Tucson has re-opened its network of cooling centers to provide relief from the extreme summer heat. The seasonal program, now underway, will run through the end of August.
Cooling centers are available in all six city wards, offering air-conditioned spaces where residents can take a break from the sun and stay safe during the hottest part of the day. The centers operate daily from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., including weekends and holidays.
This year’s designated cooling centers include:
- Donna Liggins Center
- El Pueblo Center
- Fred Archer Center
- Freedom Center
- Morris K. Udall Center
- Randolph Center
Each location has been strategically selected to be accessible via Sun Tran bus routes, ensuring that residents who rely on public transportation—particularly seniors, people experiencing homelessness, and those without air conditioning—can safely reach a nearby center.
19 Pima County public libraries are also open for those needing respite and hydration centers are available for unsheltered individuals. Participating libraries include:
- Caviglia-Arivaca
- River Center
- Eckstrom-Columbus
- Flowing Wells
- Joel D. Valdez-Main Library
- Joyner-Green Valley
- Martha Cooper
- Golf Links
- Murphy-Wilmot
- Nanini
- Oro Valley
- Quincie Douglas
- Sahuarita
- Salazar-Ajo
- Valencia
- W. Anne Gibson-Esmond Station
- Abbett
- Woods Memorial
Tucson officials emphasize that cooling centers are a critical part of the city’s response to extreme heat, which continues to pose serious health risks during the summer months. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke, especially for vulnerable populations.
In addition to providing a place to cool down, some centers may offer water and other basic necessities to help residents stay hydrated and healthy.
Residents seeking more information, including maps, hours, and transit routes, are encouraged to visit the City of Tucson’s official website or call (520) 791-2540 for assistance.
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