Spotlight on Cooling Centers in the Hudson Valley

It's official: the Hudson Valley is under the Heat Dome.

The special name given to the recent heat wave reflects a high pressure system that will remain in the area for nearly a week, with temperatures predicted to hit the high nineties from Tuesday June 18th through Friday June 21st. Many residents, especially in Ulster County, are worried about resources that will (or won't) be made available by local governments.

The "heat dome" heatwave has arrived in the Hudson Valley, NY (Canva)

Are There Cooling Centers in Ulster County, NY?

"Ulster County has no cooling centers", posted a concerned New Paltz, NY resident in a local community Facebook page, along with a screenshot from the New York State Department of Health's website. Luckily, updates reflect multiple cooling centers in Ulster County and across the Hudson Valley.

The Adriance Memorial Library in Poughkeepsie, NY is just one of the many Dutchess County, NY cooling centers (Canva/Google)

Cooling Centers in Dutchess County, NY

In Dutchess County, nearly every public library acts as a designated cooling center during heat waves. From Adriance Memorial Library in Poughkeepsie, NY (above) to Blodgett Memorial Library in Fishkill, NY, Dutchess County residents can find the closest cooling center HERE.

Cooling Centers in Orange County, NY

In Orange County, cooling centers are offered in buildings ranging from churches and senior centers to libraries and town halls (full list here). The city of Newburgh, NY will also offer open fire hydrants, and even splash pads (above).

The 2nda Iglesia La Mision Church in Kingston, NY is a designated Ulster County cooling center (Canva/Google)

Cooling Centers in Ulster County, NY

Despite earlier worries, there are multiple cooling centers offered this week to Ulster County residents in several high-population areas. With two cooling centers in New Paltz, NY, one cooling center in Kingston, NY, and a fourth being offered in Ellenville, NY, find the most convenient location here.

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Safety Tips for the Hudson Valley Heat WAve

Some quick tips to stay safe during the heatwave include staying hydrated, checking on vulnerable or elderly relatives and friends, avoiding midday exposure to the sun, and visiting a local cooling center if your home is not equipped with air conditioning. Check out more safety strategies below.