Health Department Urges Caution During Extreme Heat Warning

Published on June 20, 2025

Cooling centers will offer extended hours Friday through Sunday

The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning for Lincoln and Lancaster County starting Friday, June 20 at 12 p.m. until Sunday, June 22 at 7 p.m. Dangerously hot conditions are expected with the heat index rising up to 110.

“We’re urging residents to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses and to closely monitor weather conditions as temperatures rise,” said Kerry Kernen, Health Director, Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department. “Local cooling centers are also offering extended hours during the extreme heat warning.”

Know your risk

Anyone can suffer from heat-related illnesses but some people are at greater risk than others including:

Infants, young children, pregnant people and older adults whose bodies are less able to adapt to heat

People with disabilities or certain health conditions (like heart disease, asthma, diabetes, obesity, and mental health conditions)

Outdoor workers and people who exercise outside

People without air conditioning or water to drink

Pets, service or support animals and livestock

Cooling centers – extended hours

Those without air conditioning can cool off at local cooling centers.

During the extreme heat warning, the following cooling centers are offering extended hours and will be open until 8 p.m. daily.

Anderson Branch Library, 3635 Touzalin Ave., 402-441-8540

Bennett Martin Library, 136 S. 14th St., 402-441-8500

F Street Community Center, 1225 F St., 402-441-7951

Victory Park Senior Center, 600 S. 70th St., 402-441-7070, will also extend its Friday hours until 4:30 p.m. during the extreme heat warning.

During regular business hours, all Lincoln City Libraries and Lincoln Parks and Recreation Centers are available as cooling centers.

Aging Partners Senior Centers are also available. Go to lincoln.ne.gov/AgingPartners for days/hours or call 402-441-7070.

Fans

Use a fan to cool off, only when indoor temperatures are less than 90 degrees. Aging Partners has a limited number of fans for distribution on a first-come-first-served basis to adults age 60 and over. No financial screening is needed. For more information, call 402-441-8815. The program also accepts fan donations at the Aging Partners office, 600 S. 70th St.

Check on others – people and pets

Never leave children or pets in a parked car.

Check on family, friends and neighbors who may be a higher risk for heat-related illness or who live alone. Make sure they stay cool and hydrated.

Pets can suffer from heat-related illness too. If your pet spends its days outside, make sure it has plenty of fresh water and shade. Keep paws away from hot pavement. Check on pets frequently or bring them indoors if possible.

If you see a pet in a hot car or outside without shade or water for an extended period of time, call Animal Control at 402-441-7900.

Stay cool

Stay cool in an air-conditioned area.

Wear loose, light-colored clothing and sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) if you need to be outside.

Consider canceling outdoor activities during the heat of the day. Otherwise, move activities to the coolest parts of the day or evening.

Rest frequently in shaded areas or air conditioned spaces.

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water and don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink.

Limit alcohol and drinks with caffeine.

Monitor infants and children for fluid intake.

Stay informed

Know the signs of heat illness. If your body gets too hot, you can get sick.

Heat exhaustion can develop following exposure to high temperatures. Symptoms include heavy sweating, rapid heartbeat, cold, pale clammy skin, nausea, dizziness, weakness, and fatigue.

Heat stroke, the most serious heat-related illness, is a medical emergency characterized by a body temperature of above 103⁰ F or greater. Symptoms include hot, red skin, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, confusion, passing out.

Anyone suffering from these conditions should be moved into the shade or air conditioning. If heatstroke or serious heat exhaustion is suspected, get emergency medical assistance.

Check the NWS website at weather.gov or your local media for weather updates.

Local extreme heat resources:

Additional information on extreme heat: