Dangerously high temperatures are expected across South Texas this week, with Thursday forecast to bring some of the most dangerous conditions.

The forecast for Corpus Christi calls for very warm conditions on Thursday, with a high near 96 degrees. The bigger concern will be the heat index, or “feels like” temperature, which could climb between 110 and 120 degrees in parts of the Coastal Bend.

Residents are urged to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, and check on elderly neighbors, children, pets and anyone without reliable access to air conditioning.

According to Nueces County, the National Weather Service in Corpus Christi is forecasting an extreme heat risk across much of the region following recent rainfall. Heat index values are expected to range between 110 and 115 degrees, with some areas potentially reaching 115 to 120 degrees.

Extreme heat can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Nueces County Cooling Centers

To help residents stay safe, Nueces County is opening daytime cooling centers on Wednesday, June 17, and Thursday, June 18.

Community centers will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days at the following locations:

Robstown Community Center, 415 Mainer Road
Banquete Community Center, 4359 4th Street
Bishop Community Center, 102 West Joyce
David Berlanga Community Center, 1513 2nd Street in Agua Dulce
Driscoll Community Center, 200 East 7th Street

County libraries will also serve as cooling centers:

Keach Family Library in Robstown, 1000 Terry Shamsie Boulevard, open 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. both days
Bishop Branch Library, 115 South Ash Avenue, open 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday

The Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority is providing free transportation to and from all Nueces County cooling centers. Riders only need to tell the bus operator they are traveling to or from a cooling center.

City Of Corpus Christi Cooling Centers

The City of Corpus Christi is also making municipal facilities available as cooling centers during normal business hours.

Most City facilities will be closed Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth, but several facilities will remain open as cooling centers.

Public Libraries

La Retama Central Public Library, located at 805 Comanche Street, will be open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Anita & W.T. Neyland Public Library, located at 1230 Carmel Parkway, will be open Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The library will be closed Friday.

Ben F. McDonald Public Library, located at 4044 Greenwood Drive, will be open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The library will be closed Friday.

Owen R. Hopkins Public Library, located at 3202 McKinzie Road, will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Dr. Clotilde P. Garcia Public Library, located at 5930 Brockhampton Street, will be open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The library will be closed Friday.

Janet F. Harte Public Library, located at 2629 Waldron Road, will be open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The library will be closed Friday.

Senior Centers

City senior centers are open Monday through Thursday. Ethel Eyerly Senior Center will also be open Friday, June 19, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. as a cooling center. Senior meal service will not be provided Friday.

Senior center locations include:

Broadmoor Senior Center, 1651 Tarlton Street, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Ethel Eyerly Senior Center, 654 Graham Road, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Oveal Williams Senior Center, 1414 Martin Luther King Drive, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., closed Fridays
Northwest Senior Center, 9725 Up River Road, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Zavala Senior Center, 510 Osage Street, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Greenwood Senior Center, 4040 Greenwood Drive, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Garden Senior Center, 5325 Greely Drive, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Lindale Senior Center, 3135 Swantner Drive, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Free Rides To Cooling Centers

CCRTA will allow individuals to ride for free when traveling to the nearest City cooling center. Riders should tell the bus operator they are going to a cooling center.

Other Ways To Cool Off

City swimming pools are open with free admission as a cooling alternative. Hours vary by location.

Splash pads are also open on a modified summer schedule.

Parents and guardians are reminded that children under the age of eight must be accompanied and supervised at all times by an adult age 16 or older.

Pet Safety During Extreme Heat

Animal Care Services will have on-call officers available for calls concerning pets left outside in the heat.

Pet owners are urged to:

Bring pets inside when possible
Never leave pets in a vehicle
Provide extra water
Protect paws from hot pavement and surfaces

Heat Safety Tips

The best defense against heat-related illness is prevention.

Residents are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids, wear lightweight clothing, stay in air-conditioned spaces when possible, and avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day.

The Texas Department of State Health Services also recommends:

Never leave anyone, including pets, in a closed, parked vehicle
Avoid drinks with alcohol, caffeine or large amounts of sugar
Plan outdoor work or exercise for early morning or evening
Take frequent breaks when working outside
Check often on elderly residents, people who are ill, and others who may need help

Signs of heat illness may include dizziness, heavy sweating, nausea, headaches and muscle cramps. Anyone experiencing symptoms should move to a cooler location, rest, and slowly drink cool fluids. If symptoms do not improve, seek medical attention immediately.

Residents are urged to take this heat seriously, stay hydrated, and limit time outdoors as dangerous heat continues across Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend.

SOURCE: City of Corpus Christi, Nueces County, National Weather Service

Jack Kratoville