UPDATE: This story was updated to include information about cooling stations from the Monroe County Emergency Management Agency
Monroe County is under a heat advisory from Tuesday through Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
The top heat index is expected to reach around 105 degrees, with temperatures in the 90s. The NWS also warns that high heat may cause heat illnesses.
On average, temperatures have been higher in Bloomington this year than last year, rising from an average high temperature of 78.48 to 81.42 degrees.
The NWS recommends drinking plenty of fluids, limiting time outdoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., wearing lightweight and light colored clothing and taking breaks in air conditioning or shade.
There are several cooling locations around Bloomington and Ellettsville open Tuesday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., according to the Monroe County Emergency Management Agency.
- Bloomington Fire Station 1: 300 E. 4th Street
- Ellettsville Fire Department Headquarters: 5080 W. State Road 46
- Monroe Fire Protection District Station 22 -Perry: 3953 S. Kennedy Drive
- Monroe Fire Protection District Station 21-Clear Creek: 9094 S. Strain Ridge Road
- Monroe Fire Protection District Station 23 -Indian Creek: 8019 S. Rockport Road
- Monroe Fire Protection District Station 25 -Bloomington: 5081 N. Old State Road 37
- Monroe Fire Protection District Station 29 -Van Buren: 2130 S. Kirby Road
- Monroe Fire Protection District- Benton: 7606 E. State Road 45
These locations are open through Thursday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Downtown Branch Library: 303 E. Kirkwood Avenue
- Southwest Branch Library: 890 W. Gordon Pike,
- Ellettsville Branch Library: 600 W. Temperance Street
According to the CDC, warning symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating, thirst and weakness. To treat heat exhaustion, the CDC recommends moving to a cooler location and drinking cool water.
By 2050 average daily temperatures are expected to rise 5 to 6 degrees, making more intense heat events likely.
The Department of Economic and Sustainable Development in Bloomington recently started a program to provide low-income residents who have pre-existing health conditions that increase their risk of heat-related illnesses with free air conditioning units. Bloomington residents can apply on the city’s website.
This story may be updated.
