Central Indiana Heat Wave: Stay Safe and Cool
0
39
0
The first major heat wave of 2025 has hit Central Indiana, with temperatures in the 90s–100°F and high humidity levels. This combination increases the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for older adults, children, and those with health conditions. If you don't have reliable air conditioning, staying cool is crucial.
Why It Matters
Urban areas like Indianapolis experience the "heat island" effect—amplifying temps by as much as 8°F. Heat kills more people annually than any other weather event, making access to cooling centers vital.
Cooling Centers by Region
Indianapolis
Indy Parks and Rec has opened all Family Centers as cooling centers during this heat wave:
Broad Ripple, Brookside, Christian Park, Frederick Douglas, Garfield Park, Krannert Park, Municipal Gardens, Pride Park, Rhodius Park, and Washington Park Family Centers.
Hours vary: typically 9 AM–8 PM on weekdays, 9 AM–5 PM on weekends.
Learn more and check locations/times: Indy Parks Cooling Centers
Martinsville & Hendricks County
Wellspring (310 W. Harrison St., Martinsville): open Mon–Thurs 9 AM–5 PM, Fri 9 AM–3 PM parks.indy.gov+1wthr.com+1eciaaa.org+2martinsvillechamber.com+2facebook.com+2.
First United Methodist Church, Mooresville (900 Indianapolis Rd): open Wed–Thurs 11:30 AM–4 PM; includes free lunch on Wednesdays city-countyobserver.com+2martinsvillechamber.com+2facebook.com+2.
The Martinsville Library may also be a spot—check local updates.
Evansville
C.K. Newsome Community Center: open 9 AM–5 PM, Mon–Fri; provides water and AC .
Evansville Rescue Mission: open 24/7 during extreme heat parks.indy.gov+2facebook.com+2yahoo.com+2.
All Evansville–Vanderburgh Public Library locations are also open to help you cool off city-countyobserver.com.
Terre Haute
Pathways Day Center (504 S. 15th St.): activated as a cooling center on days over 100°F. Offers AC, water, showers, laundry, limited meals, pet water, and sometimes pet food city-countyobserver.com+10985theriver.com+10yahoo.com+10.
Also listed among Wabash Valley cooling sites facebook.com+3facebook.com+3985theriver.com+3.
Muncie
Delaware County Health Department provides community cooling stations (posted ~2 weeks ago). Call 2–1–1 for exact addresses and current hours.
What You Can Do
Tip | Detail |
📞 Call 2‑1‑1 | Indiana’s 2‑1‑1 line is your go-to for real-time info on cooling centers nchh.org. |
💦 Hydrate & Rest | Bring water, take breaks, and seek air-conditioned spaces regularly. |
👀 Mind the Signs | Heat exhaustion signs: dizziness, cramps, heavy sweating. Heat stroke: confusion, fainting. Seek help immediately. |
🧊 Cool Before Bed | If your home stays hot overnight, cool off in a public place in the evening—it helps your body reset. |
Stay Connected, Stay Safe
Don’t leave elderly or children alone during heat waves.
Note cooling centers’ hours—they may change with weather alerts.
Keep local helpline numbers handy and follow updates from news or city officials.
By spreading the word and making use of local cooling centers, we can all look out for each other in this heat. Let’s help keep our community safe and refreshed!
— Your friends at Sycamore Services
