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Beat the heat: Free resources to keep cool during hot weather

From free fans to cooling shelters and spraygrounds, Mecklenburg County is offering several ways to beat the heat this weekend.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — With dangerously hot conditions expected in the Carolinas on Friday and Saturday, Charlotte and Mecklenburg County are offering solutions to help people feeling the impacts of the hot weather. 

The forecast calls for temperatures in the mid-to-upper 90s with the heat index making it feel well over 100 degrees across the Charlotte region. A heat advisory is in effect until 8 p.m. Friday. 

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) will provide free rides for homeless residents to the Roof Above service center on North College Street, as well as the Block Love Charlotte services center on North Graham Street. CATS is also offering free rides to Mecklenburg County recreation centers, senior centers and select spraygrounds to help people beat the heat. 

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Day services centers

Roof Above: 945 North College Street, open from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. The shelter is open from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays. 

Block Love Charlotte: 2738 North Graham Street, open from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday-Friday. The facility is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays. 

🌩️ If you like weather, watch Brad Panovich and the WCNC Weather Impact Team on their Emmy Award-winning Weather IQ YouTube channel. 🎥

Recreation centers

The following recreation and senior centers are open to Mecklenburg County residents:

  • David B. Waymer Recreation Center: 14008 Holbrooks Road in Huntersville
  • Eastway Regional Recreation Center: 3150 Eastway Park Drive in Charlotte
  • Ivory/Baker Recreation Center: 1920 Stroud Park Court in Charlotte
  • Northern Regional Recreation Center: 18121 Old Statesville Road in Cornelius
  • Revolution Park Sports Academy: 1225 Remount Road in Charlotte
  • Tyvola Senior Center: 2225 Tyvola Road in Charlotte

Spraygrounds

  • Clarks Creek Community Park: 5435 Hucks Road
  • Captain Jack, Elizabeth Park: 1100 East Trade Street
  • Cordelia Park: 600 East 24th Street
  • First Ward Park: 301 East 7th Street
  • Nevin Park: 6100 Statesville Road
  • Romare Bearden Park: 300 South Church Street
  • West Charlotte Recreation Center: 2401 Kendall Drive
  • Veterans Park: 2136 Central Avenue

Free cooling fans

Mecklenburg County residents 60 years and older can pick up a free fan while supplies last. The free fans are also available to adults under 60 who are disabled. Call 980-314-6800 to learn more information about free box fans. 

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