Communities across The Overlook region are opening cooling centers and pointing residents to air-conditioned libraries as dangerously hot conditions settle over the Catskills this week.
An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect until 8 p.m. Friday, with heat index values of 105 to 110 expected, according to the National Weather Service. In Woodstock, temperatures are expected to reach 94 degrees today, 98 on Thursday, and 99 on Friday before easing slightly over the weekend. Thunderstorms are also possible this afternoon, Friday, and Saturday.
The National Weather Service urged residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun, and check on relatives and neighbors. Residents who do not have air conditioning or lack shelter can call 211 for help finding shelter from the heat.
Ulster County’s cooling centers at 2nda Iglesia La Mision Church, 80 Elmendorf St., Kingston, and the Trudy Center, 50 Center St., Ellenville, are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Friday. Local governments are also offering options.
Hunter
Residents can go to the Hunter Public Library at 7965 Main St. in Hunter and the Mountain Top Library at 6093 Main St. in Tannersville.
Hurley
The Hurley Library, 48 Main St., serves as a cooling center during regular hours this week.
Olive
Residents can access the Olive Free Library at 4033 Route 28A in West Shokan every day this week. They can also cool down at the swimming pool at Lester S. Davis Park at 45 Watson Hollow Road in West Shokan.
Saugerties
Saugerties has a 24-hour cooling center at Town Hall, 4 High St. The Frank D. Greco Senior Center at Cantine Field and the Saugerties Public Library at 91 Washington Ave. are also available during regular business hours.
Shandaken
The Phoenicia Library, Morton Memorial Library, and Pine Hill Community Center are air-conditioned during normal operating hours.
Windham
The Windham Public Library at 5379 state Route 23 is a designated cooling center and will be open during regular operating hours.
Woodstock
The air-conditioned Woodstock Library at 10 Dixon Ave. is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Residents can also visit Woodstock Town Hall, 76 Tinker St., from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, and 9 a.m. to noon Sunday.
The town will also use the Woodstock Community Center at 56 Rock City Road during some afternoons and on Friday and Saturday. Weekend cooling center operations will be activated as needed based on weather conditions and community demand. All sites are air-conditioned and provide seating and drinking water.
Kyle Bredberg is an intern and contributing reporter. You can reach him at reporting@theoverlooknews.com.
