As the city enjoys Juneteenth celebrations and block parties, residents are urged to take precaution during a regional heat wave that is expected to last through the weekend’s festivities.
A heat wave poised to smother the region with near-triple-digit heat could make weekend events hazardous for anyone outdoors too long.
The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory Friday, warning that temperatures will begin climbing around 10 a.m. and remain dangerously high through midnight Saturday. Forecasters predict a high of 93 degrees Saturday and 94 on Sunday, with heat-index values — what the temperature feels like — ranging from 100 to 105 both afternoons.
“Oppressive heat and humidity is expected this weekend into early next week with peak afternoon heat indices at or above 100 degrees for multiple days,” the National Weather Service said in the heat advisory.
Heat-related illnesses like heat rash, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are more common in hot weather conditions. To avoid this, the National Weather Service warns residents to take precautions: “Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.”
For Gary residents seeking relief from the dangerous heat, the following cooling centers are available:
Gary
Calumet Township Multipurpose Center
1900 W. 41st Ave.
(219) 880-4900
Time: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Brother’s Keeper
2120 Broadway
(219) 882-4459
Time: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monroe Smith Warming and Cooling Center
4101 Washington St.
Time: Noon to 8 p.m.
Merrillville
Dean and Barbara White Center
6600 Broadway
(219) 980-5911
Time: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This story will be updated.