Cooling Options During Extreme Heat

Published on July 13, 2026

Monday, July 13 - Friday, July 17:

The National Weather Service predicts that the Kalamazoo area will experience another period of extreme heat this week, Monday, July 13 through Thursday, July 16, 2026. It could possibly extend into Friday, July 17. The most current forecast calls for the actual temperatures to reach the low to mid 90’s during these days. In combination with these high actual temperatures, the humidity is also predicted to be high, causing the heat index to reach 100 to 105 degrees each day. Temperatures are expected to drop during the evening hours, but remain in the 70’s

During periods of extreme heat, the City of Kalamazoo and community partners provide a variety of cooling resources to help residents stay safe. A notice will be posted at the top of this page whenever these resources are activated for an upcoming heat event.

Extreme heat can become dangerous, especially for older adults, young children, individuals with chronic medical conditions, outdoor workers, and those without access to air conditioning.

When temperatures and humidity are high, remember to:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Limit strenuous outdoor activity, especially during the hottest part of the day.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Spend time in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible.
• Check on family members, neighbors, and others who may be vulnerable to heat-related illness.
• Never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes.

For individuals who do not have access to a cool location, the following cooling shelters, cooling centers, hydration stations, and other resources may be available during periods of extreme heat. Please refer to the notice at the top of this page for activation dates and any temporary service changes.

Cooling Shelters

Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries
448 N. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Adults and children accompanied by a parent or guardian are welcome. A valid state-issued ID or Kalamazoo County identification showing residency within the Kalamazoo metropolitan area is required for shelter utilization. For additional information, call (269) 345-2974.

Cooling Centers

Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries
448 N. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Open 9 AM – 4 PM.
No identification or residency requirements for cooling center use. Guests may remain and transition directly into dinner service.

Ministry with Community
500 N. Edwards St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Adults and children accompanied by a parent or guardian are welcomed between 6:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. There is no identification or residency requirement for cooling center use. Pets are permitted if they remain under their owner’s immediate control and are not aggressive.

Kalamazoo Public Library – Central Library
315 S. Rose St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Open 9 AM – 8 PM on Monday – Thursday, 9 AM – 6 PM on Fridays, 10 AM – 5 PM on Saturdays, Closed on Sunday

Kalamazoo Public Library – Washington Square Branch

1244 Portage St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Open 1 PM – 6 PM on Mondays and Tuesdays, 1 PM – 8 PM on Wednesdays, 10 AM – 6 PM on Thursdays, 10 AM – 5 PM on Fridays, 10 AM – 2 PM on Saturdays, closed on Sundays.

Kalamazoo Public Library – Eastwood Branch
1112 Gayle Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Open 1 PM – 8 PM on Mondays, 1 PM – 6 PM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10 AM – 6 PM on Thursdays, 10 AM – 5 PM on Fridays, 10 AM – 2 PM on Saturdays, closed on Sundays.

Kalamazoo Public Library – Alma Powell Branch
308 W. North St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Open 1 PM – 6 PM on Mondays, 1 PM – 8 PM on Tuesdays, 1 PM – 6 PM on Wednesdays, 10 AM – 6 PM on Thursdays, 10 AM – 5 PM on Fridays, 10 AM – 2 PM on Saturdays, closed on Sundays.

Kalamazoo Public Library – Oshtemo Branch
7265 W. Main St., Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Open 10 AM – 8 PM on Mondays and Tuesdays, 10 AM – 6 PM on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 AM – 5 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, closed on Sundays.

The Salvation Army Kalamazoo
1700 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Open 9 AM – 4 PM Monday through Friday (closed from 12 PM – 1 PM each day)
Service animals permitted; no other pets allowed.

Portage District Library
300 Library Ln., Portage, MI 49002
Open 9 AM – 9 PM on Monday – Thursday, 9 AM – 6 PM on Fridays, 9 AM – 5 PM on Saturdays, Closed on Sundays.

Portage Zhang Senior Center
203 E. Centre Ave., Portage, MI 49002
Open 8 AM – 5 PM Mondays and Fridays, 7 AM – 7:30 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 2 PM – 5 PM on Sundays. Closed on Saturdays.
*Service dogs permitted; no other pets allowed.

Comstock Community Center
6330 King Hwy., Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Open 8 AM – 4 PM Monday through Thursday. Open 8 AM – 12 PM on Fridays. Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
May close during severe weather if staff safety becomes a concern.

Free Public Hydration Stations

Residents can access free drinking water at the following public hydration stations:

Dr. Martin Luther King Park
507 N Rose St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Bronson Park
200 S Rose St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Southside Park
2156 Race St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Fire Hydrants Open for Cooling

When the heat index reaches 100 degrees, the City of Kalamazoo strategically opens twelve designated fire hydrants to provide additional relief for residents. For safety reasons, residents should never attempt to open a fire hydrant themselves. Unauthorized operation can negatively affect water pressure throughout the system, potentially compromising firefighting efforts and public safety during an emergency. The following hydrants will be open and available tomorrow:

• Fox Ridge Apartments
• Interfaith Apartments
• Norway Ave. at Princeton Ave.
• Burrell Ave. at Lawrence St.
• Krom St. at E Clay St.
• N Church St. at Norway Ave.
• Fairbanks Ave. at Center St.
• Charlotte Ave. at Sherwood Ave.
• Clarence St. at Jackson St.
• Washington Ave. at March St.
• Hays Park Ave. at James St.
• Hays Park Ave. at March St.

Public Water Recreation Areas

The following public water recreation areas will also be available:

Kik Pool 1018 Walter St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Open on Mondays and Tuesdays from 1:30 PM – 6 PM, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 PM – 8 PM, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1:30 PM – 7 PM.

La Crone Park Splash Pad
535 W Paterson St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Florence Street Splash Pad
534 Florence St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Residents are encouraged to plan ahead, stay cool, stay hydrated, and take precautions to prevent heat-related illness throughout the day.