As we continue to set records, and not the good kind, for how hot it is, we wanted to take a moment to thank the Butler County Health Department and the Poplar Bluff Municipal Library, as well as of the other entities that have opened their doors as cooling centers.
We broke record low numbers Monday and Tuesday and came close to setting new record high numbers. The record lows were 78 degrees (1925) and 74 degrees (2010) respectively, with new temps coming in at 81 and 79.
Throw in a little Southeast Missouri humidity and it’s a little like living in your oven when you step outside, whether it’s 3 in the afternoon or 3 in the morning.
The heat index at 2 a.m. Thursday was over 80.
Heat indices during the day have gotten as high as 107 degrees.
Some of us have spent the past week coping (complaining) about air conditioner problems that left our homes or businesses too warm for comfort.
But many of our area residents deal with scorching temperatures during these heat waves that aren’t tempered by even the slightest breeze. That’s especially true if they find themselves without a fan to help stir the air.
More hot weather is predicted for next week.
Cooling centers can be life-saving in these times.
In Poplar Bluff, residents can go to the Poplar Bluff Municipal Library and Butler County Health Department between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to cool off. Both are located on North Main Street.
In Malden, the community center on South Madison is currently opening up for residents to cool off from noon to 9 p.m.
In Qulin, the senior center on Second Street is also available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In Doniphan, the following cooling centers are available:
• United Methodist Church, 305 Plum St., 573-996-2607; open all day;
• Doniphan Senior Center, 715 E. Washington, St., 573-996-3070; 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Current River Heritage Museum, 101 Washington St., 573-996-5298; 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Doniphan-Ripley County Library, 207 Locust St., 573-996-2616; 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
We’re especially grateful for the areas where cooling centers are available into the evening hours.
Thank you everyone!