Extreme Heat

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Extreme heat is a prolonged period of dangerously high temperatures. Most often this involves a combination of high air temperatures and high humidity, causing the air to feel even hotter than it is. This is known as the heat index.

Knowing the heat index is important because your body responds as if it is really that hot out. This makes dangerous and even deadly heat illnesses much more likely.

Cooling spaces in Ramsey County

Stay in air conditioned spaces as much as possible. A map of cooling spaces open to the public for use during extreme heat is available below.

As a result of COVID-19, some of the spaces on the map may be closed, have changes in access, hours or capacity, or have mask requirements and other safety guidelines in place. Please check the website of the spaces listed on the map before you go.

Please note lifeguard services are not available at Ramsey County beaches.

View all public cooling spaces in Ramsey County

Precautions to stay cool in the heat

  • Limit outdoor activity, especially midday when the sun is hottest.
  • Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more. Water is better at cooling your body than drinks with sugar.
  • Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  • Use sunscreen.

Check on family and neighbors

During periods of extreme heat, check on relatives, neighbors, older adults and other vulnerable community members to ensure they are staying cool and hydrated. Those at highest risk include people 65 and older, children younger than two, and people with chronic diseases or mental illness.

Do not leave children or pets in cars in warm weather

The inside of cars can heat very quickly on any warm day. It doesn't take a heat wave. Even a temperature of 70 degrees outside can quickly heat up inside a parked car so that those inside can become seriously injured in a few minutes and die in less than an hour.

Cracking the windows does little to stop the buildup of heat. Never leave children, vulnerable adults or pets in a parked car in warm weather – even for a few minutes. If you see someone trapped in a car on a hot day for more than a couple of minutes, there may be a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately.

Extreme Heat resources

Fact sheets (PDF)

During periods of extreme heat, people should take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses. Stay cool, hydrated, and informed. 

Tips for staying safe when it's hot outside, including information for patients with CKD, ESRD, COPD, Asthma, CVD, Dementia, Diabetes and Mental Health Disorders.

Heat tip videos produced by TPT/ECHO

Resources