Cooling center, 30 hydration stations open amid heat wave in Atlanta

Atlanta has opened a cooling center at Selena S. Butler Park and set up 30 hydration stations at fire stations as dangerous heat and humidity continue to grip the city.

The cooling center is at 98 William Holmes Borders Senior Drive and is scheduled to operate Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. until further notice, according to the city.

Axios reported that daytime temperatures were in the mid- to upper-90s, with heat index values topping 100 degrees in some areas because of humidity.

The city is also pointing residents to free splash pads and pool options as additional ways to cool down during the stretch of extreme weather.

Why the city is opening the sites

Officials said the response is meant to give residents a place to escape the heat, with the greatest risk falling on unhoused people and those without air conditioning.

The broader heat wave was expected to last through the weekend in Atlanta and much of Georgia, keeping the public health risk elevated.

What residents can use now

In addition to the cooling center and hydration stations, the city is directing people to other public cooling resources, including splash pads and pools.

Atlanta Fire Department stations are serving as hydration points, giving residents more access to water while the heat index remains dangerous.

What to watch next

City officials may extend cooling-center hours or add more hydration locations if the heat persists. Local advisories and emergency updates will likely depend on how long the heat wave lasts and whether conditions worsen.