By: Jasmine West
Detroiters are being urged to take the heat seriously this week as dangerous temperatures move across the city, pushing the heat index into the 100s and raising health concerns for seniors, children, outdoor workers, residents with chronic health conditions and families without reliable air conditioning.
With extreme heat expected Wednesday, June 10, and Thursday, June 11, the Detroit Health Department and Detroit Parks and Recreation are opening recreation centers across the city as cooling centers during their regular hours of operation. Detroit Public Library branches will also serve as respite locations for residents who need a safe, air-conditioned place to cool down.
The National Weather Service forecast for Detroit shows highs in the low-to-mid 90s Wednesday and Thursday, with humid conditions making it feel even hotter. Wednesday’s high is expected to reach 92 degrees, while Thursday is forecasted to reach 94 degrees, with severe weather possible Thursday night.
Extreme heat is not just uncomfortable. It can become dangerous quickly, especially in neighborhoods where older housing, limited tree coverage, health disparities and utility affordability all shape how people experience summer weather. Residents without central air, those living alone, and people who rely on public transportation or work outdoors are among those most at risk.
“Extreme heat is a serious public health issue, especially for older adults, children, people with chronic health conditions, outdoor workers, and residents without reliable access to air conditioning,” said Chief Public Health Officer and Detroit Health Department Director Ali Abazeed. “We are urging Detroiters to take precautions, stay hydrated, avoid prolonged time outdoors when possible, and use cooling centers and library branches across the city to stay safe.”
All Detroit recreation centers will remain open during normal operating hours.
Adams Butzel Complex, located at 10500 Lyndon, is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Butzel Family Center, located at 7737 Kercheval, is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Clemente, located at 2631 Bagley, is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Coleman A. Young, located at 2751 Robert Bradby, is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Community Center at A.B. Ford, located at 100 Lenox Street, is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Crowell, located at 16630 Lahser, is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Farwell, located at 2781 E. Outer Drive, is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Helen Moore Community Center, located at 11825 Dexter Avenue, is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Heilmann, located at 19601 Crusade, is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Kemeny, located at 2260 Fort Street, is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lasky, located at 13200 Fenelon, is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Northwest Activities Center, located at 18100 Meyers Road, is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Williams, located at 8431 Rosa Parks, is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Detroit Public Library branches will also be available during normal business hours for residents seeking relief. Branch hours vary by location and can be found at detroitpubliclibrary.org/locations.
City health officials are encouraging residents to drink plenty of water, limit strenuous activity, avoid being outdoors for long periods when possible and take frequent breaks in air-conditioned spaces. Residents should also watch for signs of heat-related illness, including dizziness, nausea, headache, confusion, fainting, rapid heartbeat or unusually heavy sweating.
The city is also asking Detroiters to check on neighbors, relatives and friends, especially older adults, people with disabilities, young children, people with chronic medical conditions and those who may not have access to air conditioning.
More heat safety information is available through the Detroit Health Department at detroitmi.gov/health and the Detroit Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department at detroitmi.gov/DHSEM by searching “severe weather.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also provides guidance on symptoms of heat-related illness and when to seek medical help.
