The National Weather Service on Tuesday issued a multi-day excessive heat warning over San Antonio and neighboring South Texas counties. The warning started Tuesday at 1 p.m. and ends Wednesday at 9 p.m.
The excessive heat warning means the region will experience dangerously hot conditions, with temperatures up to 108 degrees and heat index values up to 116 degrees.
“Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events,” the warning says. “Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.”
According to the NWS, dangerous heat will continue into Thursday. Although conditions will be slightly cooler on Thursday, a heat advisory is still likely. Cooler conditions, but still above normal temperatures, are expected Friday.
The warning led to the cancellation of several events across San Antonio, including Hemisfair’s Movies By Moonlight downtown.
The city recommends residents drink water, take cool showers and use the stove or oven less at home to stay cool. If any seniors are in need of a fan, Project Cool gives out free box fans to anyone age 60 and up who needs one. Call the United Way helpline at 2-1-1 to request a box fan.
Residents can also go to one of the more than 30 public buildings — including libraries, senior centers and community centers — designated as cooling centers. Find the nearest place to stay cool using this online map.
City pools and splash pads are open and free to use. Read our previous reporting for more information on pool and splash pad options.
If you see a child or pet locked in a hot car or in the back of a truck, the city recommends acting immediately. Get the car’s description and license plate number and call 911, or 311 for pets.
As more people experiencing homelessness seek shelter from the heat, Haven for Hope, the city’s largest homeless shelter and resource hub, has partnered with another homeless nonprofit, Endeavors, to provide overflow shelter for single men.
Haven’s low-barrier shelter known as the Courtyard temporarily paused enrollments for single men earlier this month as it reached its capacity of 458, said Terri Behling, Haven’s director of communications.
Endeavors can take in an overflow of up to 40 men during the heatwave, Behling said. “Men seeking shelter during the heat will still come to Haven, be screened, and then transported to an Endeavors location for overnight shelter services.”
Haven’s intake pause does not apply to other populations at the Courtyard, including people with disabilities, young adults, elderly individuals and those experiencing homelessness for the first time — nor does it apply to other housing options and services on its campus.
Senior reporter Iris Dimmick contributed to this story.
