Heat index could reach triple digits. Here’s where to find cooling centers

The temperature keeps rising in Farmville and across the area. By 1 p.m. Friday, we were already at 96 degrees and climbing. Now the National Weather Service (NWS) is warning things could get worse this weekend, as the heat index rises.

A heat advisory is in effect for Saturday and Sunday for both Central and Southside Virginia, with the heat index expected to climb into the triple digits.

“ Heat index values will be in the 100-105° range Saturday, and likely warmer on Sunday,” National Weather Service officials from the Wakefield station said in a statement. “Take it easy if spending extended times outdoors and remember to drink plenty of water!”

We’re not just talking about the temperature, which is supposed to be around 95 to 97 degrees. The heat index is what the temperature feels like to the human body when you combine it with the humidity.

Basically, it’s not a great time for anyone to be outside or in the heat for extended periods over the next three days. That’s especially true for the elderly and anyone suffering from chronic illness.

“The amount of heat will make heat exhaustion more likely, with heat stroke possible,” NWS officials said. “With this heat, be prepared to take 15-30 minute breaks if outdoors.”

In other words, it can be dangerous for people to be outside for too long. To help residents, libraries across the region can be used as cooling centers. Also in Cumberland, the county has set up a cooling center of its own.

Those cooling centers will be at:

Buckingham County

• Central Virginia Regional Library
  16266 N. James Madison Highway, Dillwyn
  Cooling Center will be open today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

Cumberland County

• Cumberland Library
  1539 Anderson Highway
  Cooling Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday
• The Luther P. Jackson Community Center .
  1874 Anderson Highway
  The County, in conjunction with Social Services, will have cooling shelters set up in the classroom adjacent to the old auditorium in the front building. That will be available from noon to 5 p.m.

Town of Farmville

• Farmville-Prince Edward Community Library
  1303 W. 3rd Street
  The Cooling Center will be open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Lunenburg County

• Ripberger Library
  117 S. Broad Street, Kenbridge
  The Cooling Center will be open from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
• Victoria Library
  1417 7th Street
  The Cooling Center will be open Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

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