JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – With a heat advisory in effect Monday and temperatures feeling well into the triple digits, Northeast Florida residents were urged to be cautious.
News4JAX Meteorologist Katie Garner urged residents to take the threat seriously — especially during peak afternoon hours.
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“I really want people to limit their time outside,” Garner said. “If you’re not used to it, turn that air on. Limit your time outdoors, or find ways to stay cool like jumping in a pool or heading to the ocean.”
Garner said staying hydrated and wearing light-colored clothing are key.
“And if you have air conditioning, run it,” she emphasized.
To help residents beat the heat, the City of Jacksonville opened its cooling centers, including the downtown public library.
While many sought refuge indoors, others like Trel Pettis found their own ways to manage the scorching temperatures.
“I go in the library sometimes, or I just come out here like I am right now, sometimes I just stay in the house,” Pettis shared.
Pettis spent much of his afternoon in the shaded areas of James Weldon Johnson Park, near cooling tents set up by the city.
“Just chilling at the park when it’s hot like this — sometimes you get a breeze that cools you down,” he said.
Garner also reminded residents to look out for vulnerable neighbors — especially the elderly, children, and pets — who may not be able to express their needs or cope with the heat as easily.
“Heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat rash — it’s all possible,” she warned. “Pay attention to your body on days like today. It’s crucial.”
Cooling Centers
Emergency Cooling Centers will be activated under two maximum heat index thresholds:
- The National Weather Service (NWS) issues a Heat Advisory for Duval County for three or more consecutive days. The maximum heat index is expected to be between 108°F and 112°F.
- The National Weather Service (NWS) issues an Excessive Heat Warning for one or more days. The maximum heat index is expected to reach 113°F or higher.
Sunday & Holidays: For extreme heat events on Sundays and holidays, two main Emergency Cooling Centers will be specifically activated from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Main Library (303 N. Laura St.)
- Legends Center (5130 Soutel Dr.)
Monday-Saturday: For extreme heat events on Mondays through Saturdays, cooling centers will be activated at several facilities under normal hours of operation. These facilities will be open regardless of whether activation thresholds are met, and they include:
- All COJ Public Libraries (21 libraries). Accessible and air-conditioned spaces.
- All COJ Community Centers (20 centers). Available in multiple neighborhoods.
- All COJ Pools (29 pools) and Splash Pads (16 pads).
No registration or identification is required—just walk in and cool off.
