CHARLESTON, W.Va. — With meteorologists forecasting it to feel like it will be in the triple digits, Charleston and Kanawha County officials announced there will be resources available this weekend for those needing to cool off.
The National Weather Services has issued excessive heat warnings for 16 counties and heat advisories or heat watches for 16 additional counties. Agency officials said it will feel as hot as 110 degrees in some locations over the weekend.
Charleston Mayor Amy Goodwin said the city’s recreation facilities will be open to accommodate those in need of relief; the Kanawha City Community Center, Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center and North Charleston Community Center will be open Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Roosevelt Neighborhood Center will be open Friday between noon and 8 p.m.
The city’s pools will be free to use; the pools at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center will be open Friday through Sunday between noon and 6 p.m. The Kanawha City Community Center pool will be open Friday and Saturday between noon and 6 p.m.
“Sometimes, Mother Nature, she doesn’t play along with us all so well,” Goodwin said. “There does come a time where we have to consider that into consideration.”
Sherri Young, health officer at the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department, said it is important to remain hydrated during this period and for parents to watch their children.
“The best advice is to stay inside if you can. Stay in air-conditioned places,” she said. “Of course, we don’t want to discourage people from doing activities they already have planned, but be smart about it. Plan and be prepared for the heat.”
Charleston announced Thursday it’s weekly Live on the Levee concert will be held at the Charleston Municipal Auditorium rather than the usual spot of Haddad Riverfront Park. Creek Don’t Rise and Sean Whiting will perform beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Nitro also announced its city pool will be free to use Friday and Saturday. The Nitro Fire Department on 20th Street will be a cooling station beginning at noon Friday.