Cooling Centers Open Amid Extreme Heat Warning, Heat Index Up To 110

WOODBRIDGE, VA — As several days of extreme heat are in the forecast in Prince William County, health officials are urging residents to find ways to keep cool.

The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning until 9 p.m. Monday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday in Prince William County, Manassas, Manassas Park and other areas of the region. Forecasters expect "dangerously hot conditions" with real-feel heat indexes up to 110 degrees.

Extreme heat presents health risks for people with prolonged exposure, according to the Prince William Health District. In summer 2024, there were 3,200 heat-related illness visits to emergency rooms and urgent care centers in Virginia, including 114 in the Prince William Health District.

"Extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable, it can pose serious health risks especially for older adults, young children, and people with chronic conditions," said Prince William Health District’s Health Director Luke Davies. "We urge everyone to take precautions, stay cool, and check in on neighbors during periods of high heat."

Here are the cooling center locations around Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park:

Bull Run Library: 8051 Ashton Avenue, Manassas

Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Thursday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday: 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

Central Library, 8601 Mathis Avenue, Manassas

Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Thursday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Chinn Park Library, 13065 Chinn Park Drive, Woodbridge

Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Thursday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday: 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

Dale City Library, 4249 Dale Boulevard, Dale City

Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Dumfries Library, 18115 Triangle Shopping Plaza, Dumfries

Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Haymarket Gainesville Library, 14870 Lightner Road, Haymarket

Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Thursday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Independent Hill Library, George Hellwig Memorial Park, 14418 Bristow Road, Manassas

Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Lake Ridge Library, Tackett’s Mill Shopping Center (Upper Level) 2239 Old Bridge Road, Woodbridge

Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Manassas City Library, 10104 Dumfries Road, Manassas

Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Thursday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Montclair Library, 5049 Waterway Drive, Dumfries

Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Thursday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Nokesville Library, 12993 Fitzwater Drive, Nokesville

Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Potomac Library, 2201 Opitz Boulevard, Woodbridge

Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Thursday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Stonewall Park Pool, 8351 Stonewall Rd, Manassas

Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Stonewall Park Pool is offering a 50 percent discount on admissions from Monday June 23 through Friday June 27.

Manassas Park City Hall: 100 Park Central Plaza, Manassas Park

Tuesday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday-Sunday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Manassas Park Community Center: 99 Adams St, Manassas Park

Tuesday-Friday 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Manassas Park Police Station- 329 Manassas Dr, Manassas Park

Open 24/7

The Prince William Health District offers the following tips to stay safe in the extreme heat:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink water and lots of it. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
• Stay Cool: The easiest way to keep cool is to stay inside in the air conditioning. Don’t have AC? Visit a cooling center near you.
• Limit Physical Activity: Schedule your outdoor activities for the coolest times of the day – early morning or evening. Take frequent breaks in the shade.
• Dress Appropriately: Loose, lightweight clothing is the best way to dress for the heat. Wear sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher), glasses, and a sun hat for protection. Reapply sunscreen often.
• Stay Informed: Before heading outside check out the Heat Risk Forecast or the CDC Heat and Health Tracker. Know the difference between a heat watch and a heat warning.
• Do not leave children or pets in cars. Temperatures inside the car can rise almost 20 degrees within the first 10 minutes, even with the windows cracked. Make sure pets have plenty of water and shade.
• Check on Others: Recognizing the signs of heat-related illnesses and knowing what to do, might save the life of a loved one. If an individual loses consciousness, has a fast, strong pulse, hot, red skin and/or temperatures of 103° F, call 911 immediately. Heat stroke is an emergency.