Emergency cooling centers will open across Monroe County on Wednesday and Thursday as dangerous heat and humidity settle into the area.
Temperatures are forecast to reach 91 degrees on Wednesday and 92 on Thursday, but it will feel much hotter due to high humidity levels. The National Weather Service (NWS) expects heat indices — or “feels like” temperatures — to range from 102 to 107 degrees.
“It’s going to feel real uncomfortable,” said Nathan Marsili, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Indianapolis. “Dew points will be in the 73- to 77-degree range on Thursday, and when you combine that with air temperatures in the 90s, that’s what drives the heat index up.”
According to the NWS, heat advisories are typically issued when heat indices hit 100 to 105 degrees. Areas west of Monroe County are already under advisories, and more could be issued later this week.
The heat may not let up overnight either.
“There’s not going to be a whole lot of relief at night,” Marsili said. “Thursday night lows will still be in the 70s.”
Cooling station locations will operate from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at several local fire stations, including Bloomington Fire Station 1 and Ellettsville Fire Department. Libraries across the county will also offer extended hours on both days.
