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June 29, 2026 Extreme Heat Across Michigan: Stay Safe, Stay Cool, Stay Connected

As dangerously high temperatures and humidity grip much of Michigan this week, families across our state are facing more than just discomfort, they’re facing serious health risks. Heat index values are expected to approach or exceed 100°F in many communities, prompting Heat Advisories and increasing the risk of heat-related illness, especially for older adults, young children, people with chronic health conditions, and households without air conditioning.

Keep Your Home as Cool as Possible

Simple steps can make a noticeable difference:

  • Close blinds and curtains during the hottest part of the day.

  • Use fans to circulate air, but remember that fans alone may not prevent heat-related illness during extreme temperatures.

  • Delay using ovens, dryers, and other heat-producing appliances until the evening.

  • Turn off unnecessary lights and electronics.

  • Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

  • If your home becomes too hot, spend several hours in an air-conditioned public building such as a library, recreation center, or designated cooling center.

Staying Safe Outdoors

If you must be outside:

  • Limit strenuous activity between noon and 6 p.m.

  • Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.

  • Take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning.

  • Drink water regularly and avoid becoming dehydrated.

  • Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles.

  • Check on older neighbors, family members, and anyone living alone.

Cooling Centers Across Southeas Michigan

Many communities have opened cooling centers to help residents escape the dangerous heat.

Detroit

The City of Detroit activates a network of cooling centers during heat emergencies, primarily using recreation centers and public libraries:
Recreation Centers:
Operated by the Parks & Recreation Department, these facilities often extend hours when a heat advisory or emergency is declared. Many are open roughly:
  • Weekdays: ~8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (varies by site)
  • Saturdays: ~9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    Examples include:
    – Adams Butzel Complex (10500 Lyndon)
    – Northwest Activities Center (18100 Meyers)
    – Coleman A. Young Community Center (2751 Robert Bradby)
Detroit Public Library branches:
All branches function as informal cooling sites during normal operating hours, typically:
  • Late morning through evening depending on branch schedule
Wayne County (Outside Detroit)
Typical cooling center locations:
  • Public libraries
  • Recreation/community centers
  • Senior centers
  • Occasionally police stations or churches
Examples across the county:
  • Dearborn Recreation Center (open up to ~10 p.m. weekdays)
  • Canton Public Library (9 a.m.–9 p.m. weekdays)
  • Livonia Community Recreation Center (early morning through evening)
  • Lincoln Park Police Department (can be open 24 hours if needed)
Important notes:
  • Residents are often advised to call ahead to confirm availability and hours.
Oakland County
Oakland County uses a decentralized, municipality-driven approach supported by Emergency Management:

Centralized listing:

  • The county publishes an updated list/map of active cooling centers, which changes depending on the severity of weather conditions.- oakgov.com
Common facility types:
  • Senior centers
  • Libraries
  • Community centers
  • Municipal buildings
Representative locations and hours:
  • Costick Center (Farmington Hills): ~6 a.m.–10 p.m. weekdays
  • Novi Public Library: ~10 a.m.–9 p.m. weekdays
  • Troy Community Center: regular hours with possible extensions during emergencies
  • Wixom City Hall: 24/7 lobby access in some cases
Washtenaw County
Washtenaw County use of libraries, county buildings, and community spaces as cooling sites throughout the summer season.
Ann Arbor-area sites (examples):
  • Ann Arbor District Library (multiple branches):
  • Typically 10 a.m.–8 p.m. daily
  • Ypsilanti District Library branches
  • Washtenaw County Human Services Building (weekday daytime hours)
  • The Delonis Center in Ann Arbor:
  • Expands capacity during extreme heat
  • Provides daytime and evening cooling access
  • Offers assistance with transportation if needed
Countywide coverage includes:
  • Chelsea, Dexter, Milan, Saline, Manchester, and more
  • Most locations follow standard daytime or early evening hours depending on the facility

Need Help Finding a Cooling Center?

Call or text Michigan 2-1-1 for the nearest cooling center or available community resources.

Utility Assistance Matters in Every Season

While THAW is widely recognized for helping families stay warm during Michigan’s cold winters, the need for affordable utility service doesn’t disappear when the weather changes.

During extreme summer heat, electricity powers air conditioners, fans, refrigeration for medications and food, and medical equipment that many households rely on every day. Losing utility service during a heat wave can quickly become a health emergency.

That’s why THAW’s mission is a year-round commitment to protecting Michigan households from utility insecurity. Whether temperatures fall below freezing or climb into the 90s, every family deserves a safe, healthy home.

If you or someone you know is struggling to keep utilities connected, THAW is here to help.

Because every season brings its own challenges—and every Michigan family deserves the comfort and safety of reliable energy.

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