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Extreme Heat

Extreme heat involves prolonged high temperatures and high humidity. In Houston, extended heat waves are common, with urban heat islands causing temperatures to be 1-7°F higher than surrounding areas. Houston is the fourth most intense city in the U.S. for this effect.

Heat can damage buildings, but it primarily poses serious health risks, such as heat cramps, sunburn, dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. The most vulnerable are children, the elderly, and those on fixed incomes who may lack access to air conditioning and support.

HOUSTON – The City of Houston has activated its Public Health Heat Emergency Plan  and opens facilities to serve as cooling centers to provide a resource for people to take refuge from extreme heat. Houston libraries and multi-service centers will function as cooling centers during normal business hours on weekdays and Saturdays.

Community centers operated by Houston Parks and Recreation Department will open to the public after the conclusion of daily programming for enrolled participants. Anyone without air-conditioning can seek shelter at any of the following city buildings designated as cooling centers during the heat emergency. Free rides can be arranged to the cooling centers by contacting 311.

Heat Emergency Plan
Houston Health Centers
Extreme Heat Resources

Cooling Center

When the City of Houston is under a heat advisory, check for Cooling Centers here.

The Houston Health Department recommends the precautions below to avoid heat-related illness such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

  • Increase water consumption. Drink lots of liquids even before getting thirsty, but avoid beverages with caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar because these can result in the loss of body fluid.
  • Conduct outdoor work or exercise in the early morning or evening when temperatures are not as high.
  • Outdoor workers should drink plenty of water or electrolyte replacement beverages and take frequent breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned facility. 
  • People unaccustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment need to start slowly and gradually increase heat exposure over several weeks.
  • Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that permits the evaporation of perspiration.
  • Do not leave infants, children, senior citizens or pets unattended in a parked vehicle, even if the windows are cracked open. 
  • Check to make sure everyone is out of the car and don’t overlook children who may have fallen asleep.
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat to help prevent sunburn as well as heat-related illness. 
  • Apply sunscreen, which protects from the sun’s harmful rays and reduces the risk of sunburn.
  • Seek accommodations in air-conditioned facilities during the heat of the day if the house is not air-conditioned: a relative’s home, multi-service centers, malls, movie theaters, libraries, etc.
  • Take frequent cool baths or showers if your home is not air-conditioned.
  • Symptoms of heat exhaustion include weakness, dizziness, excessive sweating, cool or moist skin, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, and a fast and weak pulse. 
  • People experiencing these symptoms should lower their body temperature by getting to a cooler place, drinking water, taking a cool shower or bath and resting.
Extreme Heat Resources:

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