Local officials share resources on how to beat the heat this holiday weekend

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The National Weather Service forecasts an “extreme heat risk” this weekend and local officials are reminding everyone of resources available to beat the heat.

Staying cool in Richmond:

All Richmond City offices and community centers such as the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities will be closed on July 4. However, if you want to cool down with family and friends, all public pools will be open daily from noon to 7 p.m. including July 4.

The city also offers walk-up cooling stations at all public library locations, the Department of Social Services’ Southside Plaza and Marshall Plaza buildings and City Hall will be closed on Thursday, July 4 and will reopen with regular business hours on Friday, July 5.

If temperatures reach 92 degrees or higher later this month, the Inclement Weather Shelter on 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue will open with 100 beds. It will remain open overnight as long as temperatures reach at 92 degrees Fahrenheit or rise above.

Staying Cool in Henrico County:

According to Henrico county, several Recreation and Parks facilities will have “splash pads” open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. for cooling off in the water, including:

• Dorey Park
• Dunncroft/Castle Point Park
• Eastern Henrico Recreation Center
• Short Pump Park
• Twin Hickory Park

Although all Henrico public libraries are closed today, they’ll reopen on Friday, July 5 along with other air-conditioned options that include recreation centers like Belmont Recreation Center, Deep Run Recreation Center, and Dorey Recreation Center.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRIC ABC 8News.