Carroll cooling centers open through Tuesday due to extreme heat

Anticipated high temperatures in Carroll County this week have led county officials to open cooling centers for residents to get some relief.

All branches of the county’s public library system will function as cooling centers and be open with air conditioning and water fountains, according to a county news release. Senior and community centers in Mount Airy, Hampstead, Eldersburg, Taneytown and Westminster will also be open during regular business hours for anyone to cool off.

The National Weather Service put Carroll County on a heat advisory Monday, with the heat index, which describes the “apparent temperature” that is felt by people when outside, reaching about 104 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the service.

Temperatures are expected to cool into the 70s overnight Monday into Tuesday but will likely reach the high 90s Tuesday. The NWS predicts a 20% chance of rain on Tuesday after 2 p.m., but temperatures are expected to continue to be high throughout the week.

Carroll County Emergency Management recommends wearing loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing, drinking plenty of water, staying in air-conditioned buildings, limiting time outside and limiting outside exercise while temperatures and humidity are high.

On Tuesday, the following buildings will be available as relief centers from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.:

• The Citizen Services office building, 10 Distillery Drive, Westminster
• Westminster Senior and Community Center, 125 Stoner Ave., Westminster
• Mount Airy Senior and Community Center, 703 Ridge Ave., Mount Airy
• North Carroll Senior and Community Center, 2328 Hanover Pike, Hampstead
• South Carroll Senior and Community Center, 5928 Mineral Hill Road, Eldersburg
• Taneytown Senior and Community Center, 220 Roberts Mill Road, Taneytown

From 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, the following branches of the Carroll public library system will host relief centers:

• Eldersburg Branch, 6400 Hemlock Drive, Eldersburg
• Finksburg Branch, 2265 Old Westminster Pike, Finksburg
• Mount Airy Branch, 705 Ridge Ave., Mount Airy
• North Carroll Branch, 2255 Hanover Pike, Hampstead
• Taneytown Branch, 10 Grand Drive, Taneytown
• Westminster Branch, 50 E. Main St., Westminster

The Human Services Program’s adult-only shelter will also be open as a relief center at 127 Stoner Ave., Westminster. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For more information, visit health.maryland.gov/carroll .